M'SIA TO PARTNER SCOTTISH UNIVERSITY FOR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

From Zalina Maizan Ngah

STIRLING (SCOTLAND), Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sports Ministry hope to work with the University of Stirling with regards to sports development in Malaysia, said its minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said the National Sports Council (NSC), University of Stirling and the
Scottish Sports Council (SportScotland) were in the process of organising talks
to forge the two-way tie.

"The partnership will focus on the sports industry's development model,
sports management and athletes' training," he said after visiting the university
here Wednesday.

Ahmad Shabery said the cooperation would open up new possibilities to create
a base for athletes to prepare for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, to be hosted in
Glasgow, Scotland.

"They (local universities) will be called to share information and
discussions held later about how the research conducted can be adapted and used
to benefit our athletes," he said.


During the visit, Ahmad Shabery was shown the equipment and facilities
available for sports development and briefed on how the university succeeded in
the sports industry, which not only generated income but also produced some of
the world's best athletes.

The University of Stirling has researched sports development for 30 years
and it was the only university in Scotland that offered scholarships for sports
courses.

It has also showcased 75 champions at the national-level, as well as
athletes for the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and other international sporting
competitions.

--BERNAMA