Some associations of various sports disciplines have expressed mixed reactions due to the delay in the disbursement of grants by Ministry of Youths, Sports and Arts .
Last year on November 12, the Minister of Youths, Sports and Arts, Elvis Nkandu announced in a statement that the ministry will extend financial support to various sports discipline associations through grants.
In an interview with Lusaka Star, Zambia Hockey Association General Secretary, Elvis Bwalya called on the ministry to stick to their promise of fund disbursement because the association’s calendar and annual budget have been disturbed by its delay.
Mr. Bwalya disclosed that the support the association receives from other countries is not enough, hence they need more funds from government through the grants.
He added that the grants will make it easy for the association to operate and he urged the Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu to distribute funds fairly to the sports federations.
Meanwhile, Zambia Baseball Softball Association (ZBSA) Gwneral Secretary Kenny Matishi said that the association is still hoping to receive the grants despite not hearing anything from the government.
Mr. Matishi urged the Ministry to fulfill it’s promises and assist sports associations as most of them are struggling with funds to run their activities.