FORMER world number five squash player Low Wee Wern is grateful to the Penang government for helping her undergo rehabilitation currently after being dropped from the National Sports Council’s (NSC) full-time training programme
She was among the over 100 athletes, who were dropped by NSC after the sports authorities had decided to downsize the full-time athletes.
Speaking to reporters at the Datuk Nicol David International Squash Centre in Bukit Dumbar yesterday, Wee Wern said she was relieved to receive the timely assistance.
In addition, she said she remains optimistic of getting back into action despite the challenging times.
“First of all, the state Sports Council, under the state Youth and Sports office, has been really helping me a lot during this time.
“Thanks to them, I still manage to carry out my strength training at the gym here while I am able to undergo my physiotherapy session as well.
“All these could not have materialised without the state’s support and motivation.
“I am now trying to recover from my injury as I foresee it will take a few months’ time.
“Hence, I hope that I can make a comeback soon,” the 31-year-old professional player said.
Wee Wern said she was one of the local squash players, who had managed to achieve a top five ranking by training in Penang.
“Some others had their training stints overseas in order to come out top of the ranking, but I did it here.
“Hence, I am now looking forward to compete in the Commonwealth Games as well as other tournaments once I am fully recovered,” she said.
When asked whether she had lost any of her allowances, Wee Wern said she is now no longer given the RM4,000 monthly allowance by NSC since she was dropped from the squad.
“However, I will still continue my path to seek more success despite all these setbacks,” she pledged.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, who was present, said the state would go all out to assist Wee Wern.
“We will seek corporate sponsorship for Wee Wern while we will allow her to continue her rehabilitation here.
“The decision by NSC is uncalled for, especially towards the development of athletes.
“In Penang, we will do our best to lend a helping hand to the affected athletes,” he said.
Also present were state sports Council director Harry Chai and sports administrator Christopher Koh.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting