Sport bosses 'should do two terms'

Sport bosses 'should do two terms'

JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo
Arismunandar said yesterday that it would be preferable if the
chairpeople of all sports organizations completed two terms of
office.

Speaking to the Badminton Association of Indonesia's officials
at his office, he said that a two-term stint, which would last
eight years, was needed to groom athletes and to get them up to
world championship standard.

The association's chairman, Surjadi, who has led the
organization since 1993, is declining to be re-elected at the
upcoming national congress, which starts on Nov. 29 and ends on
Dec. 1.

Surjadi, who retired from the Army this week, said he wanted
to enjoy his retirement.

Wismoyo said he understood Surjadi's decision to retire.

The association's secretary-general, RAJ Gosal, told reporters
yesterday that the council did not suggest any candidates for the
next chairman.

"The most important thing is that the elected chairman will be
able to unite all officials, coaches and athletes in the
association. Secondly, must abide by the congress' decisions. And
lastly, he must have good access to raise funds," he said.

The new officials are expected to arrange a science and
technology-oriented program to support the association's goals in
the future.

"The goal is to win gold medals in the 2000 Olympics in
Sydney," Gosal said.

The congress, at which representatives of the association's 27
provincial branches will attend, will be opened by the
association's patron, Vice President Try Sutrisno.

State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman and
Wismoyo will also deliver speeches at the opening session.

The association's Jakarta branch will announce its nominee for
the chairmanship today. (yan)