Johor to spend RM500,000 to promote sports in rural areas

04 May 2010 , By The Star

The state will spend RM500,000 to hold sports carnivals at various state assembly areas to promote sporting activities in rural areas.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the decision was made during a recent state exco meeting for sports carnivals to be held at 56 areas in the state.

“We want to ensure that there are sports clubs at each village and mukims in the state which will eventually encourage sporting activities,” he said in his speech during the launch of Johor Sports Week at the Danga Bay Convention Centre.

Abdul Ghani said the registration of clubs in rural areas would not need going through the process at the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

He explained that sports club at rural areas would only need to be registered at sports council in the respective districts.

“The sports carnival can also be the centre for discovering new young athletes who can represent the district, state level and the country for sports related activities.

“I am confident that with the sports carnival, Johor will continue to strive for excellence in sports,” he said.

Abdul Ghani also urged athletes representing the state in the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) from June 10-19 games in Malacca to strive for excellence.

“Our achievements in the past Sukma games was second place during the 92 Sukma games when we were the host state.

“The state sports council has targetted 40 gold medals for the state but I hope these young athletes will give their best and finish in the top four,” he said.