Making it easier to get leave for Sukma-bound athletes

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Francis Nyurang Ding

KUCHING: There is good news for working athletes in Sarawak who will be competing in the coming Sukma XVI this year.

The Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) recently announced that the council will cover their salaries for the duration of the training if their employers release them.

According to MSNS director Francis Nyurang Ding, the decision was made by the council to try to put an end to recurring issues in the past concerning the release of athletes by their employers.

“We know most employers are reluctant to release their employees unless the later apply for unpaid leave. I hope this step taken by MSNS makes it easier for the athletes to get release from their respective employers,” he said.

Francis did not mention any specific case in the past. But he is confident that most employers understand that the state need these athletes.

On a related matter, Francis also requested all sports associations to notify MSNS at least three weeks before the start of their training so that the council has adequate time to request for the release of athletes who are schooling.

He called for the cooperation of all state sports association to help MSNS in looking after the welfare of athletes and attending to the concerns of parents.

Meanwhile, all “C” category sports associations have until yesterday to finalise their selection of athletes if they are interested in sending them for Sukma XVI.

Sarawak have so far confirmed participation in eight sports: fencing, body building, Muay-thai, indoor volleyball, futsal, rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis and judo.