Games Village buzzing with activity and colour

02/09/1998

THE International Zone at the National Jalil Sports Complex was a hive of
activity yesterday as athletes from 14 countries checked into the Games
Village.
Athletes from African countries came dressed in their finest, adding
colour and atmosphere to the Village while officials from Namibia, Wales
and Zimbabwe were seen checking out the facilities at the International
Zone.
"I have been to many sporting events around the world but the Games
Village here is the best I have ever seen. It is so clean and spacious, it
has everything an athlete needs during his free time," said Kenyan
weightlifting team manager Pius Ochieng.
Ochieng, dressed in colourful batik, was impressed with the food
arrangements.
"We were surprised when Sukom allowed us to bring our own cook for the
Games. Malaysians are very accommodating and friendly. These Games will be
a huge success."
The Isle of Man and Wales were the first contingents to arrive yesterday
while athletes from Namibia, Scotland, Canada, Northern Ireland, New
Zealand, Cook Island, England and Guernsey checked in later.
Kenyans, all 147 of them, took the organisers by surprise when every
athlete insisted on registering at the International Zone.
"The Kenyans arrived late last night (Monday) and came marching into the
International Zone to register. We told them there was no necessity for
every athlete to register, their chef-de-mission's initial was enough. But
since they insisted, we entertained their request," said a volunteer at
the International Zone.
The spirit of a Friendly Games is already in the air.
Zimbabwe, competing in six sports, were another colourful side. Team
manager Kachambwa Custom said they are banking on hurdler Kenneth Harnden
and diver Ivan Stewart for gold medals.
Zimbabwe finished 14th in the 1994 Victoria Games with three silver and
three bronze medals.
"We are aiming for one gold, two silver and three bronze medals in KL.
This is a realistic target and we hope to achieve it," said Custom.
(END)