Sports ministry works on policies

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

WINDHOEK



Deputy sports minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas says the lockdown has provided the ministry with an opportunity to work on policies that will contribute to the restructuring of sport in the country.

She was speaking during a media briefing at the Coronavirus Information Centre in Windhoek last week.

Kantema-Gaomas also acknowledged the loss of income to athletes during this period.

“There are challenges but we believe we have seen opportunities to reform policies.”



Pension, insurance on cards

“We are looking into things like insurance and pension for athletes, given that it is something which has not been common in the country for our sport personnel,” she said.

The deputy minister also revealed that the ministry is looking into a relief fund for athletes.

However, talks on the fund are still at a premature stage, and Kantema-Gaomas declined to shed more light on how the government would make this possible.



Regulations stand

The government is also hard at work to ensure all sport federations adhere to measures and policies set out, she said.

As things stand, contact sport will remain prohibited until the spread of the coronavirus has been completely brought under control.



Sport at standstill

Namibia is not the only country to have halted sporting activities.

The Tokyo Olympic Games, slated for this year, were postponed to July and August 2021 following the deadly virus outbreak.

Many football leagues around the world are at a standstill, while others prematurely concluded their seasons.