KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 – In an apparent show of apathy, Malaysian athletes and team officials junked their official attire, sponsored items and even medical supplements at the 2012 London Olympics.

Many of these items were left behind in rooms when the athletes and officials checked out after the Games.

Mailsport stumbled on the embarrassing act after going through the Games report by chef-de-mission of the London Olympic Games Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid.

The report, submitted in December and subsequently discussed at board, was however not dealt in detail or the issues raised.

Ten months later, the report has been filed and lying in the OCM library.

The Myanmar Sea Games is in December, and can we expect another similar  situation?

In his report, Ahmad Sarji attached pictures of items left behind, ranging from water bottles and bags by the cycling team, to Bata and Power shoes by swimmers and divers, and medicial supplies and supplements by the National Sports Institute (NSI).

The report also named diver Yeoh Ken Nee as having left behind his official set of baju Melayu used for the opening ceremony. Cycling coach John Beasley also left behind his official attire.

These items were then collected by the secretariat staff after the athletes had left and given to a charitable organisation, Axcess Sport London.

National Sports Institute chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz, when asked about the medical supplies, said an investigation was ongoing.

“I have asked the two officials with the contingent at the Games Village for their report,” said Ramlan.

“Supplements are given to athletes and we must establish if the bottles were empty or otherwise.

“As for the other medical supplies, let’s see what the officials concerned have to say. Surely it is something we cannot just brush off.”

Below are comments from individuals and associations implicated in the story and their reaction:

Cycling — MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad

“This is news to me. It was not made known during the post-Games manager’s meeting. Anyway, there were no requirements on bringing them back. Perhaps, there were also space constraints considering they (cycling team) did not travel to London with their official attire. They flew in after a competition in Germany and the attire was taken to London by several MNCF and OCM officials. 

Some athletes took it back as a remembrance of their participation. Some exchanged it with other athletes (foreign) while some did not see a need to bring it back. We need to ask Beasley why.”

Bata (sponsor) senior manager Datuk James Selvaraj

“We know OCM have done their best in conveying the message to athletes and officials to wear the equipment giving to them for the march-past and prize-giving ceremonies at the least. 

We are aware many athletes have their own sponsors and they are obligated to give them mileage, too.

But news that our shoes were left behind in rooms in the Games Village really shocked us. At least we would have expected the athletes and officials to give away the products to volunteers, who would have appreciated it more. 

For us sponsors, to see pictures of our products dumped in their rooms when they left was disheartening. I hold the athletes and officials responsible for their act, for we expected them to be fair and do justice to the sponsorship.”

OCM secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi

“The report was tabled at the board meeting early this year, but was not discussed in detail on the issues and recommendations based on the report. I personally  feel this report has to be given immediate attention, so that it will not be repeated.

Besides, we have to look after our sponsors. It is all about the question of honesty because when things are given out for multi-sports events, everyone wants everything. But they do not appreciate the items given. This is not fair to the sponsors.”

Diver Yeoh Ken Yee

“I did not throw it (official baju Melayu set) away but I donated it. I left it behind as my bags were full. The Olympics souvenir quilt took half of my luggage space. 

To be honest I can only vaguely remember but I am certain I did not leave it for the dumps. 

There was a note in the rooms stating that whatever was not needed could be left behind as it would be donated. Furthermore, I thought I would not be using it again and it could be better used by others.”