Educating athletes in an a-MACE-ing way to solve disputes

PETALING JAYA: Wiser athletes will handle disputes in a better way.

And that is why the Sports Dispute Committee are looking into educating athletes to know what they need do if they have issues under Malaysian Athlete Career And Education (MACE).

Most of the time, athletes are at a loss when they are unable to solve their issues. Sometimes, they sweep problems under the carpet in fear of being picked out by officials within their associations.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh wants athletes to know how to face problems head on.

One of the ways is by expanding the MACE programme to include the steps needed to solve their issues.

Initiated in 2018, MACE headed by Datuk Shalin Zulkifli provides opportunities and programmes for athletes beyond their athletic career.

“Everyone knows the athlete and the sport comes first. We have MACE which guides athletes on how to take scholarships, leave, renewing their contracts with NSC. SDC are suggesting to expand this,” said Hannah.

“We are working on this so that people know exactly where to go if they have a problem.”