By Chris Dlamini
Hoisting the country’s flag internationally has earned over 20 athletes E190 000 government incentives.
Coming from four different sporting codes in boxing, swimming, athletics, and boxing, the athletes who exceptionally represented the country in separate international competitions last December were rewarded.
The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, through its minister, Bongani Nzima, presented the financial rewards to the athletes’ associations in their presence.
Each athlete will receive cash for their efforts.
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The highest earner on the day was national and Olympics swimmer Hayley Hoy. The 17-year-old made E65 000 after winning three gold medals (E40 000 as each gold equates to E20 000), and a bronze medal worth E5 000 under the government sports policy for medals’ rewards.
Hoy won gold in the butterfly 100m, 200m, and open water 3km plus bronze in the 800m. She competed in the XX Africa Regional Aquatics Zone IV Swimming and Open Water Championships in Windhoek, Namibia, last December.
Meanwhile, fellow swimmers Luca Fraser and Chadd Ning received E30 000 and E25 000 for gold and bronze medals respectively.
The athletics relay team was given E50 000 after winning one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
Netball men’s team received E10 000 for silver in the Africa Netball Championships in Namibia after losing to South Africa (SA) in the final. Meanwhile, boxing got E10 000 for silver by Andiswa Sibandze.
“The rewards you receive today show the government’s commitment to promoting talent in the country.
A total figure of E190 000 will be received by our outstanding athletes in the various disciplines being netball men’s national team, athletics, swimming and boxing.
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You have not only brought back medals but also put the Eswatini map high internationally. You have showcased that we can compete globally,” said Minister Nzima.
Also congratulating the team of shining stars was Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darius Dlomo.
The event, held at the ministry offices on Monday, saw some parents attend to support their children.
The medals list:
Swimming
- Hayley Hoy: 3 gold, 1 bronze – E65 000
- Luca Fraser: 1 gold, two bronze – E30 000
- Chadd Ning: 1 gold, 1 bronze – E25 000
Athletics
- 4x800m men: 1 gold – E20 000
- 4x200m: E10 000
- 4x100m women: 1 silver – E10 000
- 4x200m women: 1 bronze – E5 000
- 4x100m women: 1 bronze – E5 000
Boxing:
- Andiswa Sibandze: 1 silver – E10 000
- Netball Men: 1 silver – E10 000
