Sports industry can employ many: Uutoni
Minister of sport Erastus Uutoni says rewarding athletes is the only way that the government can empower athletes to do well for themselves and the country.
These remarks come after the cabinet approved a reward policy last month, which will see Namibian athletes who excel in international sports competitions being handsomely rewarded for their efforts.
Addressing athletes at the first athlete's forum at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) auditorium on Saturday, Uutoni said sport is an industry that can employ the majority of Namibians.
“There is a need for us to work closer with our athletes and listen to their needs because they are our assets and we should have a system that puts their welfare first, so they can succeed beyond the field of play,” he said.
Uutoni added that the government wanted to empower sportsmen and sportswomen by putting money into their pockets through a reward system.
“We don't want to give athletes money for winning medals at international competitions and they then buy a luxury car, which is not a good investment. Athletes should start investing their money in property because these are fixed assets that can sustain them after retiring from sports,” he said.
Uutoni also said people must not expect the government to employ everyone as it did not have enough money to do that.
“We need to grow sports in the country which in the end will see those who cannot make it through school become good athletes and be rewarded for their hard work.
“And those who make it through school can become coaches or doctors who will help athletes,” Uutoni added.
The minister said the government wanted to develop the Namibian child and not only certain people in specific towns that have resources.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Jamaica to help in the development of Namibian athletes and we must reach out to all the regions in the country so that everyone benefits,” he noted.
NAMPA
These remarks come after the cabinet approved a reward policy last month, which will see Namibian athletes who excel in international sports competitions being handsomely rewarded for their efforts.
Addressing athletes at the first athlete's forum at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) auditorium on Saturday, Uutoni said sport is an industry that can employ the majority of Namibians.
“There is a need for us to work closer with our athletes and listen to their needs because they are our assets and we should have a system that puts their welfare first, so they can succeed beyond the field of play,” he said.
Uutoni added that the government wanted to empower sportsmen and sportswomen by putting money into their pockets through a reward system.
“We don't want to give athletes money for winning medals at international competitions and they then buy a luxury car, which is not a good investment. Athletes should start investing their money in property because these are fixed assets that can sustain them after retiring from sports,” he said.
Uutoni also said people must not expect the government to employ everyone as it did not have enough money to do that.
“We need to grow sports in the country which in the end will see those who cannot make it through school become good athletes and be rewarded for their hard work.
“And those who make it through school can become coaches or doctors who will help athletes,” Uutoni added.
The minister said the government wanted to develop the Namibian child and not only certain people in specific towns that have resources.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Jamaica to help in the development of Namibian athletes and we must reach out to all the regions in the country so that everyone benefits,” he noted.
NAMPA
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article