West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi's Sweet Promise: Winning Gold Will Get A Big Bonus

West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi when officially releasing the West Sumatra contingent to the Papua PON (ANTARA/Mario Sofia Nasution)

PADANG - West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah promised West Sumatra athletes who won gold medals at the XX Papua PON will be given a bigger bonus than the 2016 West Java PON.

"We will increase the bonus for athletes who won gold at PON XX Papua," said the West Sumatra Governor in Padang, as reported by Antara, Tuesday, September 28.

He said the value of the bonus given could not be disclosed at this time but it was definitely bigger than the medal winners at the West Java PON.

"We hope that many athletes will win medals in PON this time," he said.

He said the struggle to go to Papua did have its own challenges, especially the long journey.

It must be conquered by athletes and keep fighting to give the best to West Sumatra.

"They are competing no longer in the name of themselves, their village but in the name of West Sumatra. We ask to focus on providing their best abilities and skills," he said.

"We pray that this target is achieved and ask the athletes, coaches and officials to give their best there," he said.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra KONI chairman Agus Suardi said there were 188 athletes, 58 coaches, 57 officials, and others who were dispatched to Papua.

"There are several athletes who have been in Papua and participated in the matches according to the schedule made by PB PON. We ask for prayers from all parties so that the patriots of West Sumatra are able to gain many achievements," he said.