Sports

Wednesday November 4, 2009

Sponsors unite to fund bowler’s campaign in the US

By LIM TEIK HUAT

KUALA LUMPUR: Asia’s only professional bowler Shalin Zulkifli can go on a roll in the United States without worries now that she can count on financial support to help her in her campaign in the PBA women’s series.

Nine companies from the private sector have contributed a total of RM74,000 to enable Shalin to compete in the US.

Apex Communications group of companies provided the biggest sum of RM30,000. The others chipping in are KAA Travel and Tours, Infotech Distribution Systems, DMG, LN Makmur, Power Technologies, RT Resources, Ann Lee Aluminium Works and Sum Hup Piling.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim, who witnessed the presentation ceremony yesterday, lauded the move by the private sector to come in to help support one of the country’s long-serving national athletes.

“She has been involved in bowling for 22 years and her commitment to the country is beyond question,” said Razali.

“What is good is that the companies have agreed for Shalin not to put their logos on her attire but to display ‘1Malaysia’ instead. I hope to see other companies from the private sector coming forward to help our national athletes.”

Shalin thanked the parties involved for helping to fund her participation in upcoming tournaments.

“I felt very lucky in the sense that I have the NSC (National Sports Council) to help finance my participation in the PBA women’s series while other pro bowlers in the States are usually on their own,” she said.

“But NSC can only help to a certain extent as I am a professional. They have their commitments to the national squad.

“I am glad the private sector has come in to help me out. It will spur me to achieve more glory for the country.”

Shalin will participate in at least five tournaments when the series resume in January.

The 31-year-old, who won the Ancol International Open last month, said that it had been trying times for her since turning pro last year.

“It was not easy from the start as I had to qualify first. The way is through competitions and you have to pay for everything in US dollars,” she said.

“I was all on my own ... doing the travel plans and paying the bills. There was also no coach to depend on.

“It’s a bit better now after getting an idea on how to do things. But I am still learning in the series.

“I’m glad I took the decision to turn pro. I will get to find out how far I can go rather than regretting not doing it.”

Shalin added that it was tough on the road.

“The Pro Tour has taken a lot of energy out of me. It is not easy to keep up with the American pros on their home ground. But I am enjoying it,” she said.

Shalin said that she would aim to win a title in the series to earn automatic qualification in the following season’s Tour.

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