Minister assures SportExcel of total support

20/02/2002

SPORTS Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein yesterday reassured
SportExcel that his Ministry, the National Sports Council (NSC) and sports
associations are solidly behind them.
Hishammuddin, the life patron of SportExcel, said the foundation has
contributed significantly towards the development of a strong grassroots
base in the country.
Speaking at SportExcel's 10th anniversary lunch, the minister said: "Its
focus in the area of junior development and promotion has been central in
ensuring a constant pool of national athletes.
"In effect, SportExcel's involvement in this area has helped fill the
vacuum prevalent in the development of juniors in Malaysia.
"I will like to announce today that the government, through the NSC,
will continue to support and work closely with SportExcel to develop a
bigger base in Malaysia," said Hishammuddin.
SportExcel chairman Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar received a cheque from
its latest sponsor, Magnum, to the tune of RM45,000.
"SportExcel was born with a vision 10 years ago to serve Malaysian sport
and we have done pretty well to assist talented young Malaysians to excel
on the international stage," said Tunku Imran.
Household names like Shalin Zulkifli, Ong Beng Hee, Arul Suppiah, Sarah
Yap, Lisa Kwan, Ben Leong, Ryan Tan, Nicol David have all graduated from
the SportExcel circuits over the years.
jugjet@nstp.com.my
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