Three sports bodies continue training at own expense
JAKARTA (JP): Three sports organizations are moving forward with their Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games decentralized training programs at their own expense, with the National Sports Council (KONI) continuing to complain of financial difficulties.
KONI earlier asked 16 sports organizations to self-finance the final phase of their preparations for the Games, despite its earlier commitment to bear all the training costs.
"The Indonesian Tae Kwon Do Association (TI) has signed an agreement with three Korean companies to support the SEA Games team. I cannot say anything further right now because it will be better if the companies make the announcement," TI secretary- general Adrian Lumowa told The Jakarta Post over the weekend.
"But at least you can see one (of the companies) is providing sports equipment," he said, indicating sports equipment manufacturer Eagle.
Adrian was speaking on the sidelines of a practice session for tae kwon doins training at the Ragunan sports complex in South Jakarta. The athletes are training for the Sept. 8 to Sept. 17 Games in Kuala Lumpur.
He dismissed the possibility that South Korean-based electronic appliance manufacturer LG Electronics Indonesia would also support the tae kwon do squad.
"Our deal with LG is for a five-year sponsorship of our national championships and we must respect the agreement.
"It is difficult to sign a contract with a company that is willing to provide a long-term commitment for the event. We cannot ask for more than that deal," he said.
Separately, Indonesian Fencing Association (Ikasi) chairman Widarsadipradja told the Post the body would find "foster parents" to support fencers who came from less than affluent families.
"I must admit that Ikasi's chapters are still having financial difficulties financing their activities. We must reach some breakthrough.
"We will find 'foster parents' for young fencers in the cadet (under-17) age group. There are several fencing enthusiasts who have pledged their commitment.
"For Ikasi, the SEA Games is only a stepping stone because we are aiming for good results at the Pusan 2002 Asian Games in South Korea. That is why we are focusing on the cadet fencers," he said on the sidelines of the fencing national championships.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Equestrian and Horse Racing Association (Pordasi)'s head of Equestrian Commission, Johan Pitoy, said the association was working with horse owners to share the costs of the Games training program.
"Horse owners lend their horses to riders to practice because it will also benefit them if their horses enjoy good results. It will increase the value of the horses.
"They also share the cost of foreign coaches with Pordasi. The owners pay US$80 per hour for each horse to be trained, but they let riders use half of that time to practice with their horses."
Pitoy added that expatriate horse owners were glad to help Pordasi because they felt like they were giving back to the country. (nvn)