Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar agreed that the amount received by the winners of the Junior Cycling Malaysia (JCM) was relatively small, but insisted that it was done for a very good reason.
In a statement released on his Facebook account today, the Youth and Sports Minister said at their age, the kids are supposed to be taught to appreciate winning not on its prize value, but for its spirit, pride and experience.
"If the kids are used to money, I'm worried they will grow up forgetting the real reason why they compete in sports," Khairy said.
He said anyone proven to be talented and could be an asset to the country's sports, would be financially aided and appreciated.
Khairy said the participants and the parents are well aware of the prize, but they still decided to join the competition because of the love towards the sport.
The prize given to the winners of JCM Criterium last Saturday became the talk of the town, due to its small amount, which range from RM10 to RM30.
Madiha Abdullah
Wed Apr 13 2016
Khairy with the prize winners at the event last Saturday. - Twitter
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