National contingent ready for Singapore SEA Games - CDM

"We are now in the final stage of preparation. This final training camp is intended to boost the teamwork spirit and strenghten spiritual aspects among athletes.

"I am emphasising on the spiritual aspects of the athletes, but they also need to have a strong spirit to compete for the country," said chef-de-mission Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Final Training Camp for the Malaysian contingent to the SEA Games in Singapore at IOI Resort here on Friday.

On the attendance of the athletes to the camp, Norza said he was very satisfied with the presence of athletes including the Harimau Muda football team, who registered as soon as they returned from a friendly match in Indonesia on Thursday.

According to him, a total of 413 athletes and 90 officials from 27 different types of sports have registered to undergo the final training camp which would end on Sunday.

The closing ceremony of the camp will be officiated by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin who then will hand over the Jalur Gemilang to the contingent.

"Only nine sports did not register today with permission, as the athletes are still undergoing training or competing in competitions locally and abroad," Norza said.