KUALA LUMPUR: The Nicol David Organisation (NDO) received a RM1 million boost today from Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD).
The NDO was started by squash legend Nicol David in June last year to provide opportunities to B40 and M40 children to excel in squash and learn English.
YSD chairman Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar and Nicol officiated the Little Legends programme today at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort.
YSD will commit one million ringgit to NDO for the three-year programme which will help talented children from B40 and M40 backgrounds develop their squash skills.
A total of 59 students from four schools: SJK Tamil Ladang Bukit Jalil, SK Bukit Jalil, Bandar Baru Seri Petaling 1 and Bandar Baru Seri Petaling 2 have been involved in the Little Legends programme since last June.
Tunku Imran, who handed a mock cheque to Nicol today, said he wants to see the NDO grow.
"I'm a sportsperson who has played many sports. I enjoy playing squash and want to see the sport grow in Malaysia. And I'm happy that Nicol, who was the greatest squash player in the world, had started the Little Legends programme.
"We (YSD and NDO) have a big responsibility for the Little Legends programme, and we will do what we can to make sure the programme grows.
"To be a successful athlete you not only need to be fit and good in your sport, but you must also have the brains and be able to speak in English, which is the global language," said Tunku Imran.
Eight-time former world champion Nicol said: "I'm delighted to count on the support of YSD to continue to grow our Little Legends programme and see the children attain their full potential in squash and in English proficiency.
"I'm certain that the combination of both will produce more holistic athletes with the confidence and resilience.
"With more sponsorships, we can expand the programme to other states in the country.
"This programme, which we started last June, has been successful as the children have made steady progress in squash and are able to communicate in English," said Nicol.
"We charge a small fee of RM40 to a maximum of RM250 per child monthly based on their family income."
The programme is for five years, starting from the age of eight to 12.
"With the NDO, I hope to see some of the children go on to represent the state or country in the future.
"I still remember that Tunku Imran launched the squash courts in Penang when I was five years old. I was so blessed to be able to have access to a court at the age of five," said Nicol.
The programme will receive 60 more children in March, making it a total of 120 participants.