IT’S high time for National Sports Association (NSAs) to start marketing themselves instead of fully relying on government assistance.This was the call made by Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar as the Council believe this will help NSAs generate their own funds.Tunku Imran, who is also president of the Malaysian Cricket Association, said this on Traxx FM’s weekly ‘Sports Talk and You’ programme yesterday.
“OCM have been conducting courses on administration. Perhaps, it is time for us to organise talks on marketing and how NSAs can benefit from it,” he said.“NSAs can’t be relying on the government aid all the time. They need to be financially independent.”Tunku Imran added the proposed sports channel to be aired this year and the setting up of a foundation would help NSAs.“The channel on Astro would be dedicated to local sports.The foundation, which will consist of a set of independent trustees, will not only look into the welfare of current and former athletes and officials but also that of associations.”
While the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM), Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), among others, enjoy sponsorships from CIMB Bank, Proton and Telekom Malaysia respectively, the same cannot be said for smaller associations.However, Tunku Imran added the lackadaisical attitude of NSAs have frustrated OCM’s cause.“It’s like taking a horse to the water but you just can’t force it to drink. We have been conducting programmes but have not received the desired feedback.
Maybe we too need to market our programmes and make them exciting for NSAs to join.”Meanwhile, the new 2009-2011 OCM lineup will hold their first meeting tomorrow.“We’ll be giving the new office-bearers fresh portfolios. A five-year plan will also be discussed. I’m happy with the new lineup and hope it’ll spur the Olympic movement to a higher level.”
MALAY MAIL
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