KUALA LUMPUR: Several former athletes have lauded an FMT initiative which saw 50 hard-pressed retired national sportspersons receive monetary gifts in advance of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Ihya Ramadan 2024, held at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, was graced by the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, and the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
The event saw Al-Sultan Abdullah hand out RM1,000 to each of the grateful recipients, all members of the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) who have been struggling with health, financial and unemployment challenges.
Former para-athlete Azizah Taib said despite their significant achievements, including record-breaking feats achieved when representing the nation, these men and women only received one-time incentive payments.
“During my time, if you brought home gold, you would get around RM2,000 to RM2,500. If you broke any records, you would get another RM1,000. These are just one-time payments. That’s all,” she said.
She called for others to emulate FMT’s lead in organising similar initiatives, saying all donations to the athletes would bring respite to their recipients.
Former para-swimmer Nurul Shakina Abdullah was elated to be invited to the event and honoured by the presence of the royal couple. She expressed her gratitude to FMT for its support of former athletes facing adversity.
“These efforts are most welcome. Yakeb provides support to struggling athletes. However, they themselves face challenges in securing funds to aid these athletes.
“Many thanks to FMT for this initiative which will be of great assistance to us,” she said.
Former Malaysian football coach K Rajagopal, who led Malaysia to victory in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, praised the initiative, describing it as an encouraging step in recognising those who have brought pride to the country in sports.
He said, despite their sacrifices, many medal-winning athletes have been deprived of the recognition they deserve and instead find themselves experiencing hardship.
“We need to bring light to this situation. They have done a lot for the nation and we need to give back in a different capacity.
“We need to recognise them, their contributions and their sacrifices,” he said.
Former bodybuilder and six-time “Mr Asia” winner Malek Noor urged the corporate sector to explore the possibility of sponsoring welfare programmes organised by Yakeb.
“Currently, athletes who are sick, homeless or facing financial difficulties rely on Yakeb for support. I encourage any financially capable corporation to contribute to Yakeb programmes like this one.
“This should not be the last time we organise programmes like this,” he said.
Last week FMT teamed up with the Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan) to organise a Ramadan gathering in Kuala Lumpur to honour 50 struggling former entertainers.
They each received a financial gift of RM1,000 each, also through the kindness of an anonymous donor. - FMT
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