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Codes need spending plan

Wilhelm de Swardt

Pretoria. – The national lottery has R700m available for the promotion of South African sport, but federations won’t get their hands on it unless they provide a detailed spending plan.

That is the message of the chairperson of the national lottery’s distribution agency, Gideon Sam. He also pleaded for co-operation that will turn South Africa into a “force to be reckoned with” in international sport.

“I read in the press that all federations need to do is claim the money, but that is definitely not the case,” said Sam. Every sporting federation can receive money, but not until we receive a detailed plan of how they intend spending it.”

Sam added that he is excited by the fact that various sporting codes have already been divided into categories, which will determine how much money they receive. There is also money available to be paid to the High Performance units of various universities. However, Sam is concerned about the issue of duplication in South African sport.

“I have already spoken to the government’s department of sport and told them I would like to know how they utilise their millions in South African sport,” he said.

“The next thing I aim to find out is what the role of the various universities are in creating champions in South African sport.

“I know, for example, that many of the world’s top field athletes train at the North-West University and that the International Cycling Union have a training academy in Potchefstroom.

Boxing academy

“It therefore seems sensible that as many as possible of our field athletes train with the international athletes.

“Maybe we should say that the university’s High Performance Centre should assume responsibility for the testing and training of field athletes and cyclists.

“The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University approached us and said they would like to start a boxing academy as boxing is big in the Eastern Cape. They would like to assist boxers in achieving internationally.

“They also want to start a judo programme and also believe they can ensure South Africa’s sprinters achieve when it matters We will study their proposal and will make funds available if we believe it’s achievable.

“I know that swimming is big at the University of Pretoria. I would like other universities to tell us what they do to promote sport so that we can plan what is in South African sport’s best interests.

“It will be ideal if each university assumes responsibility for specific sports.”


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