The Star Metro : FT contingents ready to roll

MORE than 150 sports associations and related NGOs within the Federal Territories of Putrajaya, Labuan and Kuala Lumpur received financial aid which will benefit ongoing efforts to bolster athletes’ preparations for the Perak Sukma Games in September.

Loga Bala (second from right) and Razlan (right) holding up the mock cheque of RM515,000 for the sports associations and NGOs. — Photo: LOW BOON TAT/The Star

A total of RM515,000 from the Federal Territories Sports Council (MSWP) was distributed during a ceremony hosted by MSWP at the MyTown Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The money will also be used to cover some of the costs of managing the associations and serve as an incentive to excel in their respective fields of sport.

Of the RM515,000 distributed, RM325,000 was allocated to associations in Kuala Lumpur, while RM130,000 went to associations in Putrajaya and those in Labuan received RM60,000.

Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk Loga Bala Mohan, who presented the cheques to the associations, said the money will continue to give youths a chance to pursue excellence in their sport of choice.

He also reminded the associations that the funds should be managed prudently and systematically to avoid wastage, jeopardising sports development within the territories.

The Federal Territories will be vying to wrestle back the title of overall champions after their 2016 Sukma campaign in Sarawak which landed the contingent in fourth overall with 40 gold, 44 silver and 42 bronze medals.

In the 2014 edition in Perlis, the Federal Territories were overall champions after landing a total of 142 medals – 55 gold, 38 silver and 49 bronze.

This year’s competition, however, is expected to be stiff, especially coming from Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu and hosts Perak.

MSWP director Mohd Razlan Muhammad Rafii said MSWP has not set a target this year but will be participating in all sports events and will field some 800 athletes.

“As for preparations, we are on track and we are also pleased that weightlifting has been included in the games which will help us in the medal tally.

He said the RM515,000 aid for associations and NGOs was a form of recognition for the contribution towards building up the grassroots which is an important aspect of development.

“We hope they will be able to continue their efforts in helping to bring in the medals for Federal Territories this year,” he added.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/community-sports/2018/04/06/ft-contingents-ready-to-roll-kl-putrajaya-and-labuan-associations-get-cash-aid-to-spearhead-their-ch/#OvPqeTf4IvRwfqcO.99