THE sports industry received a boost with the launch of the Adventure Sports Community (ASC) Programme at Palm Garden Resort, Putrajaya, yesterday.

The programme, run by Paximej Adventure (M) Sdn Bhd, offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to have their own sports franchise with a ready-made business platform provided by the organisers with an initial investment of RM15,000.

Over 60 sports -- ranging from conventional sports like badminton to extreme sports such as white water rafting -- are offered in the programme.

Entrepreneurs will be given exclusive rights to their particular sport and will be provided with a business licence, website, SMS delivery system and training on how to handle the system and run the business.

Paximej Adventure director Ahmad Kamil Mohamed said: "Participants will be able to generate income from the SMS information system, advertising and also by conducting activities such as coaching clinics and events.

"Paximej will also continuously be promoting the sports community to help generate the attention needed to secure advertising and followers."

Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, who officiated the launch, said the sports industry offers a big business opportunity and such programmes could help tap potential in the country.

"This programme is a good step in monetising the sports industry in Malaysia by harnessing modern technology such as the Internet and also SMS," said Ahmad Shabery.

"Sports in Malaysia need to move towards a more sustainable model which is less dependant on government funding and this programme is a small step in achieving that."

STYLO Mylo FC, a futsal academy from Johor, turned on the style in the second leg of the Milo Hidup Bola Junior Futsal Carnival in Malacca over the weekend.

Displaying good teamwork and skills, Stylo Mylo thrashed Meor Bistro Junior FC 5-1 in the Boys' Under-12 final.

The Under-16 final saw a closely fought battle between Remaja Semangat Pejuang FC and Court Soccer FC . The match ended 0-0 at full time. Remaja Semangat Pejuang prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout.

A record 85 teams took part in the meet at Sports Planet Malacca. The top two teams in both the Under-12 and Under-16 categories qualified for the Grand Finals on July 24.

Ng Ping Loong, the Sports Marketing Manager for Nestle, presented the prizes to the winners.

"It is amazing how this event held over the last five years has grown to become a junior futsal event not to be missed by many enthusiasts," he said.