Yakeb to run the MSN Cafe to boost their coffers

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Sports Council (NSC) have stepped in to give a helping hand to the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb).

They have handed over the running of the MSN Cafe at the National Sports Complex to Yakeb as part of the efforts to help them generate their own income.

NSC director general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail hopes Yakeb would not rely solely on the contributions from non-governmental organisations but earn their income through their own business.

“NSC have given the duty of running the MSN Cafe to Yakeb. It’s our hope that they will run this cafe well and earn some income,” he said after receiving RM20,000 contribution from businessman Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin yesterday.

“We hope this income will be used to provide help for former athletes who needs assistance.”

Shapawi thanked Megat for helping out although he was not a board member of Yakeb and also urged former athletes who have registered with Yakeb to contribute back in coaching capacity.

“I hope Yakeb can promote the various coaching courses that are available,” he said.

“Former athletes must not have the fear to equip themselves with the latest coaching methods and embrace sports science.

“Without the basic coaching qualifications, it will be hard for NSC to take in the former athletes.”

Meanwhile, NSC will offer new contracts to all the athletes identified under the respective tiers of the national training programme before the end of this month.

“We are in the process of organising working committee meetings with the respective sports associations

“We hope to finalise everything by this month and issue offer letters to those identified whether fulltime or part-time training.”

There are four different tiers under the revised training programme with the biggest priority given to those with the potential of winning medals in the Olympic Games.