Minister mulls athletes’ sustenance fund

Determined to improve the quality of athletes and their performance, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare is considering floating an Athletes Sustenance Fund that will ensure that the country’s sportspersons do not suffer financial deprivation when they are not in tournaments.

Lere-Adams, the director of press in the sports ministry in a statement at the weekend disclosed that Dare, who visited the country’s contingent at their camp in Morocco, said that improved welfare would allow those representing the country in various tournaments to focus on national assignments.

He said the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development would work with stakeholders, including the private sector to create the revolving fund.

“Ensuring the sustenance and securing the commitment of our athletes will be largely dependent on their consistent welfare and provision of modern sports facilities.

“To this end, the Ministry intends to create an Athletes Sustenance fund (ASF),” Dare said.

The minister also said he would examine reports and previous initiatives on a similar fund to come up with a revolving fund that would best serve the athletes.