World number one shuttler Lee Chong Wei has contributed more than RM300,000 to the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) in the past two years

Chong Wei is a major contributor to athletes’ welfare fund

KUALA LUMPUR: World number one shuttler Lee Chong Wei has contributed more than RM300,000 to the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (YAKEB) in the past two years.

Chong Wei said he reserved 50% of incentives received from the government and corporate sponsors and channelled it to YAKEB.

“This year I won seven big tournaments. Including the win at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, it will be eight and I will not forget to contribute towards YAKEB.

“If we can afford it, we should not forget the sacrifices of our former athletes because when we retire maybe there will be others who will help us when we are in need,” he told reporters at the 1Malaysia gathering of former and current athletes, organised by YAKEB at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here yesterday.

Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is the Prime Minister’s wife as well as the patron of YAKEB, urged former athletes to register with the foundation.

“By registering themselves with YAKEB, they can be assured that their welfare will be taken care of,” said Rosmah, adding that RM2.5mil was collected from yesterday’s gathering.

“I also urge corporate bodies and individuals to come forward and contribute generously as the athletes have toiled to make the country proud. Athletes themselves must also come forward and contribute their efforts and not just be bystanders,” she said. — Bernama

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