Representatives from 22 Cambodian sports federations attend a meeting at the NOCC headquarters yesterday morning. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

Vath Chamroeun speaks during the meeting yesterday. Photo by: Sreng Meng Srun

The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia called on all its affiliated federations to ensure solidarity of purpose in promoting a healthy sports culture in the Kingdom.

At a meeting at the NOCC headquarters yesterday morning chaired by NOCC Secretary General Vath Chamroeun, 22 affiliates who had responded to invitations out of the 33 registered federations pledged to work with each other to promote sports development across the board.

“A long term sports policy was also on the minds of many, but the main thrust was to ensure smooth and effective functioning of the federations,” said Vath Chamroeun.

The meeting noted with concern the status of federations which had been totally dormant for years due to reasons ranging from lack of funds to problems with functionality and working space.

“Federations which are very active have come forward to promote grassroots programmes, while others who need support and help are leaning on us. Overall the consensus is that from now on, we must work together to strengthen the parent body,” the NOCC official said.

Most of the affiliates accepted the NOCC suggestion that they should establish better relationships with their respective international governing bodies. “We will certainly facilitate federations which find it difficult to do this,” added Vath Chamroeun.

The secretary noted the meeting also held out assurances to five of the non-Olympic federations that the NOCC could help orchestrate corporate support if they were to hold international events.