Solidarity fund continues
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
WINDHOEK
Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) secretary-general Joan Smit has insisted that athletes who are funded by the Olympic Solidarity Fund still need the funds, despite sport events being on halt.
Smit said that the funding remains important because athletes still need supplements and to pay their coaches.
Athletes Helalia Johannes, Dan Craven, Maike Diekmann, Vera Adrian and Jonas Junias Jonas receive about N$14 000 monthly ($750) as part of the solidarity fund.
These athletes also form part of the group that has already qualified for the next Olympics, which was postponed to 2021.
Preparing for next year
“This funding will continue even if most of the events have been cancelled this year because the athletes still need the money to remain fit and prepare for next year’s Olympic Games,” Smit said.
She however added that there has not been any additional funding.
“People have misunderstood that and it is important to make it clear that the money given by the International Olympic Committee through the Solidarity Fund programme is based on the scholarships of the athletes,” she said.
How it works
Athletes on the programme are first required to provide invoices on what they need the money for, such as supplements they take and coaching fees.
“Travelling to high performance centres is also included in the budget, but that is not possible now because of the coronavirus,” Smit noted.
Athletes still train
The secretary-general added that they have kept a close eye on the athletes under the programme.
“I can confirm to you that all these athletes have not given up hope and are still training with their coaches.
“The most important thing is that they practice social distancing and all the requirements to limit the spread of the coronavirus.”
WINDHOEK
Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) secretary-general Joan Smit has insisted that athletes who are funded by the Olympic Solidarity Fund still need the funds, despite sport events being on halt.
Smit said that the funding remains important because athletes still need supplements and to pay their coaches.
Athletes Helalia Johannes, Dan Craven, Maike Diekmann, Vera Adrian and Jonas Junias Jonas receive about N$14 000 monthly ($750) as part of the solidarity fund.
These athletes also form part of the group that has already qualified for the next Olympics, which was postponed to 2021.
Preparing for next year
“This funding will continue even if most of the events have been cancelled this year because the athletes still need the money to remain fit and prepare for next year’s Olympic Games,” Smit said.
She however added that there has not been any additional funding.
“People have misunderstood that and it is important to make it clear that the money given by the International Olympic Committee through the Solidarity Fund programme is based on the scholarships of the athletes,” she said.
How it works
Athletes on the programme are first required to provide invoices on what they need the money for, such as supplements they take and coaching fees.
“Travelling to high performance centres is also included in the budget, but that is not possible now because of the coronavirus,” Smit noted.
Athletes still train
The secretary-general added that they have kept a close eye on the athletes under the programme.
“I can confirm to you that all these athletes have not given up hope and are still training with their coaches.
“The most important thing is that they practice social distancing and all the requirements to limit the spread of the coronavirus.”
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