langkawi magazine
Archives SECTION
Malaysia Will Continue To Host LTDL, Says Abdullah
Malaysia will continue to host the prestigious Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) cycling championship, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Sunday. "I am proud of this event. When we first organised it we recorded success. Now the event is occupying the fourth position (in the world ranking)," said the jubiliant Prime Minister, minutes before presenting prizes to all jersey winners of the ninth LTdL championship which ended at the Dataran Merdeka here Sunday.
Abdullah said he was asked by a journalist whether Malaysia would continue to organise the championship under his new leadership and he gave an assurance that the country would continue to play host to the international event - reported to be the highest-ranked race in Asia that attracts professional cyclists from all over the world and pulls in tourist dollars yearly. "In years to come we want to organise this event. We want to achieve greater success. The world has come to witness the Le Tour de Langkawi," he said.
Abdullah also gave away bicycles to school children during the event, that was witnessed by thousands of Malaysians who lined the streets in the city despite the blazing afternoon heat. Meanwhile, in his message to the Ultimate Challenge, the official Magazine and Guide to Telekom Malaysia LTdL 2004, Abdullah hoped the championship would continue to play its role, not only as a catalyst to promote the development of cycling in Malaysia and Asia but also entice more visitors to the country.
"Over the past years, sports events are fast becoming an active way to promote tourism. Events such as LTdL have helped portray a positive image of Malaysia as a vibrant and attractive destination to potential visitors," he said. Abdullah said through the extensive daily live coverages, delayed telecasts and highlights on televisions, people all around the world will obtain an accurate picture of what Malaysia has to offer.
KUALA LUMPUR 16/02/04
