By Zareef Muzammil
BANTING, Oct 9 — The state government has contributed some RM720,700 towards sports development programmes for athletes to resume their training after the Covid-19 lockdowns.
State executive councillor for youth and sports Mohd Khairuddin Othman said the special initiative would benefit sports associations, district sports councils as well as Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) athletes and officers.
He said some of the allocation will be used for the officers and athletes allowances while the remaining is for facilities refurbishment.
“We hope the assistance would ease the economic and financial impact to those who are affected by the pandemic aside from uplifting their spirits,” he said.
He said this after launching the 2021 Selangor Day of Sports at the paragliding field in Bukit Jugra.
Meanwhile Khairuddin said Selangor is willing to organise Sukma if other states are not ready to take on the responsibility.
However, it will be restricted to only 16 compulsory sports such as football, swimming, shooting and archery.
He explained that the state’s facilities are in a good condition and the athletes’ are in good form as they have been training under the sport bubble protocol.
“It was supposed to be Johor’s turn this year (to organise Sukma), however, they have yet to decide whether to continue it or not. Selangor is ready to fill up the position,” he said.
