Tuesday February 26, 2013

Finally, Sidney’s longstanding wish is about to come true

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary Sidney Tung can rest easy now – his wish for bowling centres to be exempted from paying entertainment fees is set to be granted.

National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong yesterday promised to look into the matter.

He said that he would get things moving for the government to review the status of all bowling centres so that they will be exempted from paying the monthly or annual fees.

Sidney had, on Thursday, made an impassioned plea for the government to grant him this wish after ending his 35-year service with the national body as honorary secretary.

The 68-year-old had hoped that the government would stop classifying bowling as an entertainment sport and thus exempt all bowling centres in the country from paying the hefty fees.

In fact, he hopes that the money could be used by the centres to organise junior programmes.

And Zolkples is all for it.

“I do not think it’s right for bowling centres to pay if they are conducting bowling programmes and helping the country win honours. I’ll look up on this matter and speak to the relevant authorities,” said Zolkples.

“All the bowling centres that are partners with the NSC will be given priority. Other bowling centres, formed solely for business purposes, may want to re-look their approach and work with us.

“There was a time when bowling and another sport – snooker and billiards – were not recognised as sports and considered unhealthy activities.

“It has now become an elitist sport and the bowlers have done the country proud by winning many titles and accolades.”

Three previous Sports Ministers had failed to fulfil Sidney’s wish. Hopefully, Zolkples will be able to push it through and give Sidney a perfect retirement gift.

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