MTC calls on local companies to start a sports fund

WINDHOEK, 02 JUN  – Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has called on local companies to pool their resources and form a fund that would help develop sports.
MTC Corporate Communications Practitioner, John Ekongo during the Namibia Premier League awards ceremony in Windhoek on Friday said companies could contribute money to a fund which would then be distributed by the Namibia Sports Commission.
“Sports development remains the critical foundation for progress from grassroots level up to elite and high performance sports. No country can expect to achieve and sustain success at elite level without a strong financial support base,” he said.
He added that a tax mechanism could be explored by Government to require corporate entities to dig deeper into their pockets.
“Whilst appreciating Government’s efforts to address sports issues and the constant shortage of funding for our sporting codes, I implore our fellow corporates… Government should walk hand in hand with the private sector in addressing the issues of development across all sporting codes in Namibia,” Ekongo said.
He stated that MTC has spent nearly N.dollars 120 million on football over the last 15 years.
“When we reflect on our sports strategies we increasingly focus on levels of participation in sport and recreation, as well as achieving success at international level. However, international success comes at a price and we are duty bound to pay this price.”
Ekongo said meaningful investments are required from early on for enhanced effective administration of sport.

NAMPA