ESRC CEO issues rallying cry to sports movement to return to the field
The sports fraternity could not have received better news last Saturday when the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darius Dlomo implored our National Sports Associations to come out and play.
Yes! Associations have been encouraged to resume activities. Of course, this will be done cautiously in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no denying the fact that the virus is still wreaking havoc left, right and centre. Our people are still succumbing to the virus and that is why we expect sports associations to meet certain requirements before they can be granted the right to host their respective festivities.
The good news is that the CEO even gave our National Sports Associations, in particular those that are recognised the go ahead to apply for permission to host their respective activities, which are not limited to competitions on the field of play but to a broader spectrum. Such includes the associations’ Annual General Meetings (AGMs), conferences, ordinary meetings and other related activities. In short, the CEO wants our sports movement to resume activities but to do so in a very safe manner.
It clearly proves that there is finally light at the end of the long dark tunnel. We are winning the war against the pandemic. Our National Sports Associations deserve to be praised for their patience. It has been a tiring and exhausting period for all. However, we are happy that all of the associations adhered to the strict COVID-19 protocols and even suspended their activities. Now is the time to get back to the field, cautiously as previously stated. We can no longer hide behind the veil of the pandemic. Life has to go on. As stated by the CEO in his remarks, people should not be afraid to reach out to us for help. The ESRC is here for that reason. We will willingly guide all sports and recreational bodies, as they prepare to return to the field. It is what we do. It is who we are.
This in essence also means that our mass participation flagship programme, Shukuma Eswatini, which by the way has in recent times revolved to become a premium platform for public engagement, will also bounce back in the coming weeks. We know our people have missed this programme. We will be posting updates on our numerous platforms.
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Congratulations Madalitso and co
It is now history that basketball lady official, Inclusivity Officer, Madalitso Mtine has become the first president of the Eswatini Paralympic Committee after winning the elections last Saturday.
A lot is expected from her executive, as the first to assume office in the country. She will lead her team for a period of four years.
Worth noting is that the new executive committee was elected democratically by our recognised National Sports Association through a transparent voting process. A majority if not all of the associations were fully represented during the historic meeting, which needless to say marked another milestone in the country’s sports.
Pleasing to the eye is the fact that the new executive besides winning the tightly contested elections fair and squarely, is gender balanced. The five-member team consists of two ladies with one being the leader. We could not have asked for more. However, it is worth noting that the executive committee reserves the right to co-opt one or two members as they deem please to strengthen their work force.
We wish Madalitso and co all the best, as they attempt to steer the ship to deeper waters of the international community. They deserve everyone’s support from the sports movement, for them to be able to execute their duties effectively. We are happy to note that the founding constitution was developed and vetted with the international Paralympic committee.
There is no denying the fact that the country has taken such a huge and bold step towards meeting its international obligations.
We can expect to see our country finally being represented in the Special Olympics for instance, as a result of the latest development.
The full executive:
President: Madalitso Mtine
Vice President: Mcebo Dludlu
Treasurer: Sizwe Mabuza
Members: Nozipho Mahlalela and Maxwell Ngwenya
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Basketball AGM a non-starter
The Basketball Association of Eswatini (BASE), which was supposed to host its Annual General Meeting (AGM) the past Sunday could not do so after team failed to form a quorum.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the association had wanted to host a virtual meeting but due to technology and other challenges, teams failed to form a quorum and the executive committee had no choice but to call it off.
It is so unfortunate that this had to happen but the association’s executive has assured that the AGM could now be held physically and even though they are yet to confirm the exact date, teams have been asked to tentatively consider October 10.
We do hope that our basketball teams will make the effort to be part of the AGM, for the association to move forward. Of course with the AGM set to be hosted physically now, we have complete faith that the association will adhere to the COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of their members.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up” – Unknown
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