THE Kuala Lumpur Elite Sports Talent Avenue (KLESTA) will leave no stone unturned in working towards creating Olympians.
KLESTA president Dr Bala Sekar Nadarajan said they will run a comprehensive talent identification programme that also focuses on underprivileged youths.
KLESTA’s goal is to develop top-class talent in football, karate, hockey, squash, tennis and athletics through academies.
"In football for example, when selections are held by clubs and state teams, a player is usually given only 15 minutes to show what he can do.
“The chance to prove themselves is very limited,” said the former FA of Malacca vice president.
“We have two-day selection period and if a player makes it, they will join a two-week training camp where they can really show what they can do.
“We are looking at taking in youths involved in gangsterism for our karate programme as we believe they have the mental toughness to succeed.
“If you look at the best boxers from the West, most of them have come from troubled backgrounds.”
“Our priority is to help youths from underprivileged backgrounds to fulfil their potential and hopefully win a Sea Games medal in a few years and compete in the Olympics one day.”
"We really want to see (scout) as much talent as possible, if you feel you want to join our programme please contact us."
KLESTA's football and Karate academies have already started earlier this year and expect to begin the hockey, squash, tennis and athletics programmes soon.
Trials for their football programme will be held on Sept 5-6 at the KLESTA football field in Kepong Baru, Kuala Lumpur.
Those selected will stand a chance to join the Smart Focus Selangor Super League team. Players that shine with the team will be sent for training stints with Belgian clubs Anderlecht, Standard Liege.