KUALA LUMPUR: After putting its weight behind squash and cycling, CIMB Foundation contributed RM500,000 to the Malaysia Gymnastics Federation (MGF) today to strengthen the CIMB-MGF Gymnastics Development Programme.
MGF president Datuk Mohd Jaya Al Bakri said the partnership between MGF and CIMB, which focuses on developing rhythmic and artistic disciplines, will span three years with the option to extend another year.
“The programme covers the development of athletes, coaches and also referees," said Jaya during the launch of the programme.
“Hopefully, we will be able to produce more gymnasts who will be able to do the nation proud not only at the Commonwealth Games but also the Olympics one day," said Jaya.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak officiated the launch of the event, which coincides with International Women's Day, and also presented sponsorship from CIMB Squash Academy to two players, S. Sivasangari and Ng Eain Yow.
They received RM1.5 million to cover their education expenses at a local university over the next three years.
CIMB Foundation chief executive officer Datuk Hamidah Naziadin said she was proud of the CIMB-MGF programme which is the first to focus on women.
"There is a lot of potential in sports to strengthen women, provide a platform for them to shine alongside men, promote equality and also create a more balanced community,” she said.