KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty needy former national athletes yesterday received financial support ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri in a celebration of faith, gratitude and compassion as past pride was treasured.
Showing their benevolent side for the second time in a week were FMT and an anonymous donor who joined hands to donate RM50,000 to bring Raya joy to the former national stars, including para-athletes.
The recipients, members of the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) who have been struggling with health, money and unemployment, were given RM1,000 each.
Last week, 50 members of the Malaysian Artistes’ Association or Karyawan experienced similar kindness amid darkness at a Ramadan gathering in Kuala Lumpur, receiving RM1,000 each.
Yesterday’s donations were presented by Pahang’s Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah. Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and Tengku Arif Bendahara, Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri’ayatuddin Shah, were among the 150 guests at the Ramadan event at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Notable attendees included Radha Krishnan Nair, the managing director of Universal Fitness & Leisure (UFL) who hosted the buka puasa, sports commissioner Suhardi Alias, Yakeb chairman Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed and several sporting legends.
The donor said his contribution was about kindling the flame of empathy, love and sharing. He also called on the corporate sector to financially support the icons of sport and entertainment who are living in hardship.
It is crucial for Malaysians to appreciate what sport and entertainment have done to unite the nation, he said.
Sports at heart of FMT
FMT’s managing director, Azeem Abu Bakar, said: “At FMT, supporting the sporting community is a privilege we take to heart, reflecting the special place sports holds within the Malaysian spirit.”
He said launching FMT had been a journey filled with challenges, as it evolved from its early days into one of the country’s leading media outlets.
“Engaging over six million people monthly and holding more than a 33% share of the online voice, we are humbled by the trust and support from our readers.
“This profound trust and our platform’s reach remind us of our responsibility to contribute positively to society, including the sports sector.
“We hold a genuine passion for bringing to light the stories of Malaysian sports, especially those of our revered legends.
“Our features on sports personalities resonate deeply with our audience, drawing millions of views and underscoring the community’s keen interest in the evolution of our sports.”
Azeem said FMT had last December played a key role in the Sports Flame event celebrating Malaysia’s past sporting brilliance and reconnecting greats from the 1960s, 70s and early 80s.
“This year, we are grateful for the opportunity to further our support for their welfare with a contribution during the Raya celebration, made possible by the generosity of a donor,” he added.
Azeem also reiterated that the responsibility to uplift arts and sports was not FMT’s alone, and that other media outlets should join in the effort to help ensure the growth and sustainability of both industries.
Exemplary and noble initiative
Yakeb’s Noorul Ariffin said he was encouraged by FMT’s social initiatives that provided happiness, hope, inspiration, and a sense of national character.
Noorul Ariffin said FMT had been at the forefront of fundraisers for former athletes in distress, and had constantly run stories about those who made the country a sporting powerhouse.
He recalled how quickly FMT had brought comfort to the families of golf legend, M Ramayah, and former national squash player, Kenneth Low, by raising more than RM200,000 each for them.
Thirteen-time World Cup golfer and renowned golf coach Ramayah died in March last year after losing his battle with cancer.
Low, a six-time national champion, has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system.
Noorul Ariffin said 26 of the recipients were present at yesterday’s event, and that the rest, who are from various states, would receive their share through their respective bank accounts.
He said all of them were either suffering from various illnesses, had no regular income or were jobless.
Sports commissioner Suhardi said: “Such an event is a great platform to recognise and understand the lives and struggles of our past and present athletes.
“I am confident that this noble event will encourage our athletes to strive for excellence as they know they will have the support of people who care for them.”
In thanking the parties that made the occasion a success, Suhardi said the commitment to the raising of shared esteem was vital to nation-building.
Radha Krishnan meanwhile said the presence of the former king and queen showed their care for sporting heroes and made the event more memorable.
“It is crucial to have a high concern for the welfare of the country’s former athletes, coaches and officials,” he added.
Thanking FMT for giving him the opportunity to host the buka puasa, he said: “It is a great honour to give back something to the industry which made me and my company what we are today.”
He said as an ex-sportsman, he cherished those who had contributed to sports.
Radha Krishnan said his company, UFL, has 60 employees, mostly former national and state athletes. Former bodybuilder Malek Noor, who began as a marketing executive, is chairman of the company, with 33 years of service.
“I hope there will be more such events to value and appreciate sportspeople,” Radha Krishnan added. - FMT
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