Time to be vigilant

Chef de mission advices athletes to stay safe and healthy

KUALA LUMPUR: All the 871 SEA Gamesbound national athletes have been told to tread with caution in the coming weeks.

Chef de mission Datuk Marina Chin wants the athletes to look after themselves in this crucial period to avoid any injuries or illnesses as they get ready for the KL Games from Aug 19-30.

“Anything can happen in the last two weeks (before the Games). So, I hope everyone will minimise the risks by being extra careful in their daily routines,” Marina said after briefing the athletes at the contingent’s one-week centralised camp at a hotel here yesterday.

“This includes not eating out but consuming food provided by the hotel and returning to their camp in time and getting enough sleep. It’s also best that they do not travel to training on their own but instead go as a team by using the transport provided.

“These are some of the guidelines we have asked them to follow. It’s not a warning, but rather an advice.”

Asked if there’s a tendency for athletes to sneak out of the camp at wee hours, Marina said she was confident that “all the athletes will be at their best behaviour”.

“I believe everyone is well-disciplined and wants to do his or her best for the country at the Games.

“They will not take any risks by visiting entertainment outlets at late night,” said Marina.

A total of 700 athletes are attending the centralised camp, which is meant for team-building and motivational purposes.

Athletes from several sports, including track cycling and diving, have been exempted from attending the camp as they are either competing or training abroad.

“We would have loved to have everyone here. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to get 100% attendance,” said Marina.

“As for the 700 athletes who are here, this is the time for them take this rare opportunity to mingle around and get to know one another.

“The morale is good. I can see that everyone is in high spirits and looking forward to this exciting week.”

Anything can happen in the last two weeks (before the Games). So, I hope everyone will minimise the risks by being extra careful in their daily routines.

Datuk Marina Chin

In high spirits: Chef de mission Marina Chin and Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary general Datuk Low Beng Choo (front in jacket) with national athletes at the start of the one-week centralised camp at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — AZLINA...