By Norrasyidah Arshad
SUNGAI BULOH, Jan 20 — Some 45 former Selangor athletes in the B40 category have been provided with assistance by the state government, with an allocation of almost RM200,000.
State executive councillor for sports Mohd Khairuddin Othman said the Ceria Atlet Selangor (CAS) 2023 assistance will guarantee more comfortable living for the athletes, and serve as a gesture of appreciation for the services of these individuals who once brought glory to the state.
"Selangor will try to reach out to all the athletes who once glorified the state and Malaysia in prestigious tournaments.
"The assistance provided includes covering the costs of building houses, home renovations, as well as buying equipment or furniture, depending on their needs," he said when launching CAS 2023 yesterday.
Mohd Khairuddin added the state government, in collaboration with the National Athlete Welfare Foundation, is trying to find locations for street music activities (busking) as well as a business site for the B40 former athletes.
"We hope the efforts to help them will be supported by various quarters as well as by the local authorities, which will facilitate our planning," he said.
During the launching ceremony, the councillor also presented a land grant to ex-cyclist Mutalib Mydin, and people's housing assistance to former weightlifter Muhammad Koh Abdullah.
Mohd Khairuddin, who is also Paya Jaras state assemblyman, officiated the bridge built in front of Mutalib's home, a result of the state government's contribution.
[caption id="attachment_298521" align="aligncenter" width="752"]
State executive councillor for sports Mohd Khairuddin Othman (centre of table) with former Selangor B40 athletes, during the launching ceremony of Ceria Atlet Selangor (CAS) 2023 at Kampung Bahagia Bukit Lagong in Sungai Buloh, on January 19, 2023. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
