SETIU: The National Sports Institute (NSI) played a major role in preparing the Malaysian riders for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) which will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong near here from Nov 6-9.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the NSI arranged international exposure for the riders by getting them to compete in Argentina, Australia and the United States so that they could get the proper certification to be eligible for the WEC 2008.
“Secondly, the horses to be used were also tested by experts to ensure they would be able to handle the gruelling 160km race,” he said in his speech at the flag-handing over ceremony for the national team at the TIEP here yesterday.
The text of his speech was read out by the NSI director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz. Also present was State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said.