Government to introduce a Sports Development Trust Fund

The Sports Development Trust Fund will be introduced in a bid to improve funding in the sports sector as well as promote private sector sponsorship in sports. GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development intends to introduce a Sports Development Trust Fund in a bid to improve funding in the sports sector.

Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development director of sports, Bessie Chelemu, said the Sports Development Trust Fund is also meant to promote private sector sponsorship in sports.

Chelemu revealed that the proposal to develop the said Trust Fund is currently at the Ministry of Justice for approval adding that thereafter, the proposal will be presented to Cabinet for final approval.

“The Sports Development Trust Fund will provide incentives to private companies, coaches and athletes who will be the major contributors to the fund. The incentives that will be received in the ministry will have to be used adequately, ensuring that all athletes and coaches benefit so that they can perform even better in competitions,” he explained.

And former Flyweight African Boxing Union (ABU) champion and gold medallist Kennedy Kanyanta has welcomed the move by government to introduce a Sports Development Trust Fund.

Kanyanta said the funds will go a long way in the improvement of various sports disciplines in the country in terms of funding.

“The government should be commended for this because this proposal will not just benefit the current athletes but also the youngsters looking up to the already accomplished athletes. This will make them work extra hard in training,” he added.

The former boxer, who during his amateur career won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2007 All Africa Games, has called on youths in the country to take keen interest in sports.

Kanyanta urged young boxers and athletes to remain disciplined and dedicated in their trainings if they are to realise medals in major competitions and tournaments.

This was highlighted during the National Sports Development Conference that was held at the Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka from 27th July to 28th July, 2015.