Malang (malangkota.go.id) – A total of 14 athletes from Malang City who achieved achievements at the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) received appreciation from the Malang City Government (Pemkot). The appreciation was conveyed by the Mayor of Malang Drs. H. Sutiaji to the athletes in a family manner at the Gazebo of Malang City Hall, Tuesday (26/10/21).
Sutiaji expressed his pride in the hard work and achievements of Malang City athletes when defending the East Java Province flag at PON XX, 2-15 October 2021. Mayor Sutiaji also expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) of Malang City, sports branches (cabor), athletes, and parents of athletes who have brought honor to the name of East Java and Malang City.
"The sport that is maintained is sportsmanship. And yesterday's match (PON XX) was your contribution in maintaining the unity of the Republic of Indonesia," said Mayor Sutiaji who loves playing badminton.
Mayor Sutiaji also responded positively to the hopes and left a message with prayers that the athletes' achievements could continue to be improved. "We will continue to build facilities, including roller skating rides. Hopefully it can reach the Asian Games level and higher," he continued.
KONI Malang City Chairman Edi Wahyono said that the appreciation event was originally held to coincide with the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day. However, with various considerations, it was decided to be moved forward in order to increase athlete motivation.
"Overall, Malang City athletes in the XX Papua PON managed to win seven gold, six silver, and four bronze from eight sports," said Edi Wahyono.
Gold medal winners for the individual sports category each received an appreciation of Rp17 million. Meanwhile, for silver medals, Rp12,5 million, and bronze medals, Rp7,5 million. Meanwhile, gold medal winners for the team sports category each received Rp10 million.
Yossi Aditya Nugraha, a roller skating athlete, was recorded as the winner of the most medals with two golds, one silver, and one bronze, responding positively to the Malang City Government's commitment to athletes and sports in Malang City.
"Thank you to the Malang City Government. Hopefully in the future it will be better in supporting athletes, both when they are still athletes and when they have retired," said Yossi when met after the event. (ndu/ram)
