Uutoni welcomes approval of National Sports Reward Policy

WINDHOEK, 06 JUL – Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service Erastus Uutoni has welcomed the approval of the National Sports Reward Policy by Cabinet.
Speaking to Nampa on Thursday, Uutoni said the approval is a step in the right direction as the country now has a guiding tool that will help Namibia to award people in a formalised manner.
“We now need to commit ourselves as people by having proper systems in place which help to give us proper direction when it comes to rewarding our sporting heroes,” he said.
The minister could not reveal when the policy will be implemented, saying a lot of issues still need to be sorted out.
“Currently there is no money and this was not budgeted for. We need a plan to see how we can move forward. We will definitely budget for it in the next financial year,” he added.
Uutoni said he hopes the policy will help encourage Namibian athletes to perform well and win medals with the knowledge that they will be rewarded.
He also stated that they will consider educating Namibian athletes about the policy so as to clear any grey areas.
Uutoni said he will also table the policy in Parliament officially so as to inform the nation about the latest development.
Freddy Mwiya, the Chief Administrator at the Namibia Sports Commission said he could not comment on the issue as he was not yet officially informed of the latest developments.
The document which was drafted by the Sport Ministry and the NSC, covers preparation by athletes, participation and rewards for athletes who have won medals in local and international events.
(NAMPA)