RM5.25 mln grant for 59 sports associations and organisations

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Wushu Federation of Sarawak deputy president James Ting receives the grant from Mawan (second right) while Lee (right) and Karim looks on. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Sports associations and organisations in the state yesterday received a total of RM5,251,600 in grants to run their respective programmes and activities.

The beneficiaries were 53 sports associations and six organisations under the ministry’s Youth section purview.

Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom hoped that the grants would be used wisely to ensure the smooth running of the associations and that all activities and programmes are successfully implemented.

“The main objective the ministry provided this annual grant was to help associations manage their administration costs including the running and organising of programmes,” he said at the 2015 annual grant presentation ceremony at the Youth and Sports Complex .

“We admit that the amount is far from sufficient but I hope that the associations and organisations could become more creative and innovative in their efforts to raise funds and not solely depending on the government,” he continued.

Mawan said the associations and organisations concerned should not cite the lack of funds as an excuse for their inactivity but instead think outside the box to raise money and plan programmes that gives big impacts to the society.

He advised associations and organisations to be aggressive in achieving their goals and becoming successful to change public perception that they are not agencies out to make profit but more towards contributing voluntarily to the nation.

Mawan urged all sporting bodies to learn and follow the footsteps of their counterparts which have successfully made
the state proud by organising national and international events.

The senior minister reminded that associations and organisations have big potential to become the agents of change and bring development in their respective fields.

In this regard, he pointed out that all bodies must re-evaluate and do research on their activities and programmes to suit the current needs of the society to remain relevant and able to create a positive impact.

“It cannot be denied that some associations and organisations often reasoned the lack of funds as the main cause for their lack of activities and failure to achieve their respective objectives.

“These bodies must raise its aspiration and strengthen efforts to be more active in the running of its programmes and activities.

“With a positive attitude, this would refrain such associations to constantly give out unreasonable excuses until it becomes a habit,” he said.