Broke govt snubs youngsters

LIMBA MUPETAMI The sports ministry has once again cut the ambitions of junior athletes at the knees, after announcing there are no funds to implement various international sport programmes planned by the Namibia School Sports Union (NSSU).A statement released by the sports ministry dated 14 June, stamped by sport executive director Emma Kantema-Gaomas, says the NSSU, the school sport umbrella body, should implement school league systems in circuits, clusters constituencies and regions, which have limited or no transport implications, with immediate effect.This statement says the ministry will ensure that learners continue to participate in sport activities locally.“As you are aware, financial constraints have been hampering the implementation of various sport programmes. In recognition of this reality, you are hereby informed that there are no funds available for sporting activities until further notice,” the statement said. Furthermore, the NSSU has been directed to do away with any trials for the selection of teams. Additionally, they are also directed to source sponsorship or alternative funding for the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa) Games.The NSSU represents 12 sports codes and provides opportunities for learners to become involved in sport and physical recreational activities at primary and secondary school level, in order for them to realise their full potential.These activities also keep many pupils off the streets, where they are exposed to alcohol and drug abuse at an early age.“This announcement will affect sports in the long run. It means that if parents do not chip in talented athletes should sit out competitions. “Imagine athletes paying N$6 000 to travel and compete in South Africa for instance, this however only covering playing gear and so forth or forking out N$3 700 to take part in the All Ages Tournament currently taking part in South Africa,” NSSU national coordinator Solly Duiker said.“Not all parents can afford this.”Duiker emphasised the importance neighbouring Botswana has put on school sport participation. “If you look at the sport system of Botswana, you will see how they are making an effort in injecting money for athletes. That is why they perform better than us at a senior level. “When we travelled to the Cossasa Games, we received N$35 000 for transport and S&T for the drivers. This money was not even given to us directly, but was paid to them. We received no money from the government and mind you we had 65 junior athletes in one bus. “Botswana on the other hand received 2 million pula, that is how serious they are about school sport,” lamented Duiker.He further said there is already a challenge with physical education at schools, as there are a limited number qualified teachers to execute this task, and continuing to cut financing for junior athletes will further disable their efforts.“Not only this, but when we manage to take the athletes through to senior competitions they will be a laughing stock because they are not prepared well at junior level. How will they compete then on international level if they are not exposed well?“I don’t have a problem with junior athletes competing locally, but at the end of the day, there should be a carrot tangling in front of the athletes so that they can have something to look forward to,” Duiker added.

Broke govt snubs youngsters

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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Broke govt snubs youngsters

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-02

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