GOVT SPLASHES E150K

MBABANE - If you strive for greatness in sports, you’ll reap the gold of success.

This adage embodies the genuine sentiment of the Eswatini Government, as conveyed by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, who presented a total cash reward of E150 000 to the podium winners in a ceremony held at the ministry’s offices in Mbabane yesterday morning. The minister honoured the podium winners from three distinct sporting categories, including the Eswatini team that participated in the Confederation of Schools Sports Association of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the Eswatini Chess Men’s National team that competed in Hungary, and the Eswatini Darts Youth National Team that brought home a gold medal from the Region V championships. The recognition ceremony served to acknowledge the tremendous efforts and achievements of these young athletes, and their positive contribution to Eswatini’s sporting culture.

Achievements

Nzima noted in his speech that it was an honour and a privilege for him to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the young athletes, highlighting their dedication and hard work as valuable contributors to Eswatini’s sporting community. “These outstanding individuals have not only represented themselves and their teams, but also carried the flag of our great Kingdom of Eswatini onto international platforms, showcasing the spirit of resilience, skill and dedication that defines our nation,’’ he said.

He then proceeded to commend the darts players, who recently competed at the African Union Region 5 Darts Confederation tournament held at Esibayeni Lodge in the Kingdom of Eswatini, emphasising the significance of acknowledging their accomplishments and recognising their contributions to the sport of darts in the country. “Their victories are a testament to their precision, focus and unwavering commitment to excellence. To our schools sports players, who conquered in Zimbabwe, you have brought honour, not only to yourselves but also to the entire nation. Your teamwork, discipline and passion have made you champions, and we are deeply proud of the way you represented us in foreign soil,” Nzima said.
He also thanked the chess players who shone brightly in Hungary.

Strategic

“Your victories have proven that Eswatini is a nation of sharp minds and strategic thinkers. Chess is a game that requires intellect, patience, and foresight, and you have demonstrated all of these qualities in abundance. ‘‘Your success is not only a personal triumph but also a victory for our nation. It inspires countless others, both young and old, to pursue excellence in their respective fields. As we celebrate you today, I want to emphasise that your achievements serve as a reminder that with dedication, hard work and passion, we can compete and win on the world stage.

‘‘The Ministry of Sport, Culture, and Youth Affairs is committed to ensuring that the athletes of Eswatini have the support they need to excel. Your victories inspire us to continue our efforts in developing sports infrastructure, training programmes, and international partnerships that will provide opportunities for many more to follow in your footsteps,” he added. The Eswatini Darts Team received E45 000 to be shared among its members, while the Eswatini COSSASA squad, with its excelling athletes, received E55 000, distributed to its team members.

Additionally, the Eswatini Chess Federation was awarded E50 000 for its 45th Chess Olympiad Open Section Team, acknowledging their impressive performance. These rewards serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of Eswatini athletes, as well as the government’s commitment to recognise and reward excellence in sports.In attendance at the event were several notable guests, including the Ministry of Sports’ Under Secretary, Mzwandile Mthethwa, Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Maxwell Jele, Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Darius Dlomo, as well as presidents from the various sporting categories represented by the excelling athletes.

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