A boost for Malaysia Games

20/03/2002

THE SportExcel-NSC-Milo Junior Circuit for 2002 was launched yesterday by
chairman Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja'afar and their mission this year is
to help States select athletes for the Malaysia Games in September.
SportExcel specifically changed the format of their Grand Finals to a
carnival affair in August so that States will have a better selection base
for the Sabah Malaysia Games.
"We decided on this experiment because we feel that it would be more
beneficial for States to select their Malaysia Games athletes if we hold
all the Grand Finals on a carnival basis in August," said Tunku Imran
after the launch at the National Sports Council (NSC) hall yesterday.
SportExcel feels that by holding the Grand Finals in August on a
carnival basis, they can help associations better prepare their athletes.
"We hope to house all the Grand Final athletes in the NSC hostel so that
they can get a better feel of a sporting atmosphere. We also hope that the
crowd support will be better if we hold all the Grand Finals over a
weekend," said Tuanku Imran.
SportExcel is also looking to upgrade their athletics and sepak-takraw
circuits and have sent in a proposal to the Malaysian Schools Sports
Council (MSSC).
"In this respect, I would like to state that SportExcel is very keen to
develop ties with the MSSC. We have often stated that schools are the
nursery for a better future when it comes to talent identification and
development," said Tunku Imran.
"But sadly, unlike in the 60s, 70s and early 80s, when we witnessed
schools sports at its best, we are now more or less at a standstill when
it comes to the promotion and development of talent at this level."
SportExcel will have eleven circuits this year and they are bowling,
squash, cycling, shooting, cricket, swimming, diving, rhythmic and
artistic gymnastics, tennis and golf.
"SportExcel, Milo and NSC will spend about RM600,000 on the junior
programmes and we feel this money will be well spent as it is for a
brighter future," said Tunku Imran.
SportExcel is also keen to develop other sports but first, the
associations must show they have a sound grassroot plan before they can
get help from the foundation.
"We are always open to other sports, but first, the associations must
show interest in grassroot development and only then can we help them.
"I would like to stress here that SportExcel is an elite programme and
we are not involved with grassroot development which we feel is the job of
the associations," said Tunku Imran.
Two of the more successful circuits have gone the extra mile to make
sure they remain in the forefrunt.
"The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress has added an extra leg, so this
year there will be seven legs before the Grand Finals.
"The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia has in turn introduced the
back-up division for the under-13 and the under-15 age groups and the
Premier Division for the under-17 and under-19 age groups."
Tunku Imran said SportExcel welcomes fresh ideas from associations to
improve the image and effectiveness of the circuits which have produced
many household names like Nicol David and Shalin Zulkifli.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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