Several sports associations have expressed their appreciation for the Minister of Sports, Elvis N’kandu, and his decision to extend financial support to various sports discipline associations through grants.
The move has been welcomed by the associations, which believe that these grants will greatly benefit their respective sports.
Elvis Bwalya, General Secretary of the Zambia Hockey Association (ZHA), expressed gratitude towards the government for their support and highlighted the positive impact these grants would have on the association.
“We are extremely grateful for the government’s support for our association. The grants will be highly beneficial as they will alleviate the financial burden and enable us to fulfill our goals and plans as outlined in the hockey calendar,” Bwalya stated in an interview with the Lusaka Star.
“The ministry-sponsored trips have already allowed us to participate in various events, and these grants will provide further assistance in achieving our objectives.”
Similarly, Kenny Matishi, General Secretary of the Zambia Baseball Softball Association (ZBSA), expressed optimism about the Minister’s initiatives in sports and highlighted the association’s preparedness to utilize the grants effectively.
“The association has already devised a strategic plan, and once we receive the grants, they will greatly contribute to the training of coaches, athletes, and game officials,” Matishi explained.
However, Matishi urged the Minister to expedite the process and fulfill his promise, considering that the association is already in the second quarter of its activities.
On the other hand, Tom Chaloba, Communications Manager of the Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU), praised the government’s decision to provide grants to sports associations, particularly emphasizing the support it would provide to rugby grassroots structures that have been dormant due to limited resources.
“Currently, rugby is predominantly concentrated along the rail line, and our aim is to expand its reach to other provinces in the country. These grants will help us achieve that,” Chaloba stated.
He further emphasized that the union would ensure proper structures were established promptly upon receiving the necessary support from the Ministry of Sports.