Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has stepped in with an allocation of RM50,000 to finance the State school football teams to compete in the Under-18 and Under-15 categories of the National School Sports Council (MSSM) tournament in Johor on August 25-30.
It was announced by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin at a special press conference held at his Ministry on Friday.
The predicament of the teams who had just won the State level competition but were unable to make the trip due to lack of funds came to light from a teacher through social media a day earlier.
Ellron said all the State Cabinet Ministers have unanimously approved of the special fund proposed by him to assist the teams at a meeting held at Menara Kinabalu on Thursday.
“We hope that the Sabah State Education Department (JPNS) will apply for the funds as soon as possible so that it can be channelled to the teams on time for them to compete,” he said.
He also said they decided to assist the teams even though the tournament is held under the Education Ministry.
“Although we do realise that this Malaysian School Sports Council tournament is not under the responsibility of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports, as Sabahans and for the spirit of sportsmanship, we decided to offer our help.
“As the Youth and Sports Minister, I take this seriously. Such an issue should not be taken lightly considering that it involves the future of our State’s footballers.
“We don’t want the talent of these young people to end up here. We have to help them realise their wishes, because at the end of the day, some of these athletes may represent Sabah at higher level tournaments such as Sukma, Asian Games and the Olympics in the future.
“I also hope with the support from the State Government, the Under-18 and Under-15 football teams will do their very best to try to win the tournament,” he added.
Meanwhile, State Education Department (JPNS) director Raisin Saidin who was at the press conference expressed his gratitude to the State Government.
He revealed that a total of RM61,000 is needed and the department will fund the additional RM11,000 while some individuals from the private sector also came forward to offer their help.
Also present at the meeting were assistant Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Fairuz Renddan, Sabah Sports Council director Asneh Mohd Noor and other officials.
