DATIN Seri Rosmah Mansor yesterday gave an assurance that the National Athletes' Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) will fully support the needs of the country's retired athletes. At a Yakeb appreciation luncheon for members of the press and sponsors in Putrajaya yesterday, Rosmah, who is patron of the foundation, said she hoped the bond between Yakeb, the media and the corporate sector could be strengthened.

"It is through this that we will be able to give back to these athletes who have contributed significantly to the country in the past," Rosmah, who is also wife of the Prime Minister, said.

She urged the public to understand the needs of the foundation and be generous with their contributions when considering the accomplishments of former athletes.

At the function, Rosmah, on behalf of Yakeb, received a donation of RM190,000 from Iris Corporation Bhd managing director Datuk Tan Say Jim.

"Yakeb will see that all donations are channeled to former athletes who are in dire need only," she said.Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor receives a mock cheque for RM190,000 from Iris Corporation Bhd Managing Director Datuk Tan Say Jim yesterday as Deputy Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim (third from left), Lee Chong Wei (left) and Tan Boon Heong look on.

Also present was deputy Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim who lauded the company, involved in manufacturing smart cards, for pledging to contribute an additional 50 percent of prize money each time national badminton singles Lee Chong Wei and doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong win titles.

Razali said if the shuttlers emerge runner-ups, the company will contribute 25 percent.