Reasons to celebrate
Sunday greetings! On this day, which the Lord has made, we the sporting fraternity will rejoice and really be glad in it. Much has been said already about the forthcoming Eswatini National Sports Awards, that take centre stage on Wednesday at the Happy Valley Hotel. It’s true, nominations have been submitted by the respective National Sports Associations (NSAs) and we cannot wait for the big day. Everything is now set and our shining stars will be honoured and recognised on the day. Unfortunately, as we have already announced it on our other platforms, this event will be held pretty much behind closed doors and is not open to the public, unlike the two previous editions.
Circumstances beyond our control really forced us to make it a low-key occasion. We do hope the sports movement will forgive us for this because the nation was now used to joining us during the awards. It could not be this time, but we do hope that the next awards will be open to the public. This was the case in the previous two editions.
Outstanding Senior Sportsman
Outstanding Senior Sportswoman
Outstanding Junior Sportsman
Outstanding Junior Sportswoman
Outstanding Sportsman with a Disability Outstanding Sportswoman with a Disability Outstanding Sports Coach
Outstanding Sports Team
Outstanding Sports Association
Just so that everyone is clear, the Eswatini National Sports Awards are the ultimate reward programme of sports in our beautiful kingdom. They (Awards) obviously seek to recognise and motivate excellence in sport participation by all sports practitioners. We also encourage NSAs to host their own respective annual awards, whose winners should ideally become nominees of the National Sports Awards. It remains our mission to develop and regulate all sports and recreation activities in the country, through quality sports and recreation programmes and facilitating maximum access to resources and opportunities for our citizens. Our vision is to have a well regulated and coordinated sport industry that promotes a healthy, passionate, proud and winning nation in sports and recreation. All our efforts including hosting these awards, are geared towards achieving these two. These awards are meant to celebrate excellence.
Perhaps not surprisingly, there is an expectant buzz going on in the sports movement following the national budget speech delivered by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg on Friday in Parliament. It was probably the best news for the local fraternity in over a decade. Surely the gods are smiling our way. We have always said it that the sports movement greatly appreciates government’s commitment towards the improvement and development of sports.
We have never hidden our appreciation of what the government had been doing for our sports over the years and with news that there is an increment in the national sports budget, everyone should indeed be excited. It points to a brighter future. It gives everyone hope of a better tomorrow. Sports play a pivotal role in the government’s development index, as they contribute massively towards tourism and also by cutting down on the government’s medical bills, as sports actually counter chronic illnesses. We are over the moon with the news and would like to assure the nation that there will be a positive difference in our sports.
Allow us, nevertheless, to go through the figures, study them in detail before we can say more. We are, however, pleased with what we are seeing from a glance. Recognised NSAs have more reason to renew their operating licenses. Likewise, those that are and could still be operating in the bush should be motivated to come forward and seek recognition. Remember; we are always available to help our people. We are here for them all the time.
Until next week, sport for all; sports for life!