NOCC Chairman Thong Khon gave a presentation to visiting IOC and OCA members Tuesday.

OLIVIER Niamkey and Farman Haider, from International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) respectively, arrived Tuesday in Cambodia to learn about the development of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).

They were taken to the Ministry of Tourism, where they listened to a 20-minute presentation by the NOCC on its strategic plans of action, and its strengths and weaknesses.

Thong Khon, chairman of the NOCC, talked about the development of sports in the Kingdom after a long civil war. He asked for help to arrange scholarships and training for athletes, coaches and sports officials both domestically and abroad.

The NOCC also announced plans to organise the first ever national sports conference. The conference will allow all related parties to exchange ideas and experiences to create the best possible future for Cambodian sports.

Niamkey said that organisations such as the IOC or OCA do not work well if their members lack commitment, especially from sports federations and athletes, adding that he admired the NOCC for creating a marketing and information service in its programme.

The IOC official also noted the need for increased participation from local companies to help promote sport in the Kingdom. “Increasing the number of competitions is so important, but without sponsorship we can do nothing,” stated Niamkey.