Jakarta students to train in Beijing

Governor Fauzi Bowo sent off Friday 16 students who will undergo one week of athletic training in Beijing to improve their performance ahead the National Students Games (POPNAS), which will be held in Yogyakarta in November.

“I hope you can learn much from your friends in Beijing. Remember that Jakarta doesn't buy athletes from other regions. We rely on you to represent the city in national competitions,” Fauzi told the students an the City Hall.

The students, accompanied by four coaches and five officials, will leave for Beijing on July 15 and return home on July 22.

Edward Situmea, the deputy team manager, said Beijing was chosen as the city was home to great talents who have performed well in many world sporting events.

He said the students, who will compete in gymnastics, athletics, table tennis and swimming at the POPNAS, would train with athletes from Beijing. The youngest student to join the outing is gymnast Armartiani aged 12.