KUALA LUMPUR – The national Olympic programme, Road to Gold (RTG), has utilised RM9.7 million out of its allocated RM20 million aimed at enhancing preparations for Olympic-bound national athletes.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh emphasised this while remaining open to corporations interested in sponsoring athletes.
“The RTG programme ensures athletes are fully prepared to excel. It covers facilities, sports science, and medical services, as well as self-building programmes.
“As you all know, the government has prepared a special budget of RM20 million for RTG. So far, RM9.7 million has been spent,” she said at the launch of the Team MAS campaign at the National Sports Council (NSC) headquarters in Bukit Jalil today.
Hannah also expressed the importance of corporate investment in elevating the nation’s sports sector and nurturing future athletes.
“Corporate investment in sports not only provides financial support but also contributes to developing future generations,” she said.
She also highlighted previous efforts to engage corporations, inviting them to partner with the NSC or directly support athletes.
“Corporations are welcome to collaborate with us or contribute to athletes. They can also top up government rewards for athletes winning the first gold.
“They can reach out to the National Sports Council or the RTG committee,” Hannah added.
Regarding sponsorship opportunities, Hannah mentioned plans to promote Team MAS as a brand to companies.
“Team MAS is not just for the Olympics, it’s for all the sports we compete in.
“Every time our athletes are representing the country, they will carry this theme. We have reached out to many corporate entities for collaboration,” she said.
The RTG initiative, established by the ministry in April last year, aims to aid Malaysia in securing its maiden Olympic gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympics in July, as well as the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. – Jun 6, 2024