By MICHAEL MIYOBA
GOVERNMENT has urged sports federations not to relax to engage corporate sponsors following the announcement of an increased 2023 budget allocation of K165 million towards sports development.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane announced a K165 million allocation to sports development in his 2023 national budget presented in Parliament on Friday.
Chileshe said the increase in funding towards sports development showed Governments’ commitment to ensure that the sports sector continues to thrive following a successful year.
He however urged sports federations to engage corporate entities that are willing to supplement Governments’ efforts because resources are scarce and most of the resources from the 2023 budget will be used for sports equipment.
“It was very clear that a lot of that amount is for sports equipment, enhancing equipment and infrastructure so we need to buy a lot of equipment especially when it comes to athletics, we don’t have equipment as a country,” Chileshe said.
He hailed federations for making 2022 exciting after scooping medals in various categories at various international championships.
Chileshe emphasised the need for federations to also work hard and supplement the governments’ efforts by winning more medals and presenting their budgets early for it to plan effectively.
Meanwhile, Zambia Sports Fans Association Patron Peter Makembo has commended the government for increasing funding to sports development. Makembo said the increase will inspire athletes to perform at international tournaments.
