PRESIDENT PEPS UP RI ATHLETES FOR SEA GAMES

Jakarta, Dec 4 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked athletes going to represent Indonesia in the 25th Sea Games in Laos to have self-confidence in each of the competitions.

Speaking at a function to send off the Indonesian Sea Games contingents at the State Palace here on Friday, the President said self-confidence was the main key to winning each competition in the Sea Games event in Laos from December 8 to 18, 2009.

The president noted the Indonesian athletes for the Sea Games in Laos had undergone sufficient training and education, and therefore they had no reason to waver.

"You have undergone all required training and education. So, do not be hesitant but confident, because self-confidence is your primary capital during your competitions in Laos ," President Yudohoyono told the Indonesian athletes.

In addition, the head of state also called on the country's sports officials, managers, trainers, and all supporting staffers to maintain good leadership while in Laos.

"Do your jobs and arrange every activity as well as possible without adding any burden whatsoever to our athletes," the president warned the officials, managers, and trainers.

Present at the function were also Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik, Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng, and Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi.

On the occasion, the head of the Indonesian Sea Games contingent Alex Noordin acted as master of ceremonies in which President Yudhoyono handed a Red-and-White flag to National Sports Council (KONI)'s chairperson Rita Subowo.

The Indonesian Sea Games contingent is made up of 515 athletes: 209 men and 136 women, 99 coaches, 28 managers, and 43 staffers. The athletes are to take part in 22 of the 25 sports branches to be contested in the Sea Games.

The athletes come from 21 provinces, including 110 from Jakarta, 84 from East Java, and 51 each from West Java and Central Java.