PETALING JAYA: The Chinese New Year celebration this year is certainly more meaningful for some of the nation’s athletes as they received contributions from Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N), the National Sports Council (NSC), and the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb).
A total of 10 current and former national athletes were selected to receive the contributions – among them are current athletes Yow Mei Yee (taekwondo), Danny Ng (table tennis), and Lee Chee Hoong (para boccia).
Meanwhile, the seven former national athletes who were honoured included Yan Chun Aoi (bowling), Perry Khoo Eu Hock (hockey), Chan Mai Lan (para chess), Ho For Sen (basketball), Chin Kok Chee (weightlifting), Fong Chein Wai (karate), and former wushu athlete Ng Fook Huat from Ipoh, Perak.
Chee Hoong expressed his gratitude for the contributions from all the parties involved in the programme and hoped that this year’s Chinese New Year celebration would be more meaningful.
“I am grateful for what 100PLUS has given me and wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year. I hope this year will be the best for all of you,” said Chee Hoong.
Fook Huat also expressed his appreciation for the contributions.
“I feel thankful because there are people who came to visit us and delivered ang pow and drinks.
“I am 84 years old now and I participated in the 1990 Asian Games. Although I did not win any medals, I am proud to have represented Malaysia back then,” said Fook Huat.
Yakeb chairman Datuk Noorul Ariffin Abdul Majeed said that this is the second edition of their initiative to help current and former athletes celebrate Chinese New Year.
“This time, we are not only doing it around Klang Valley but also reaching out to Ipoh to assist a former athlete there,” he said.