By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – As part of government to show its commitment in sports development, it has spent E450 000 in assisting the Olympics squad going to the 2024 Paris Olympics Games in France.
This was revealed by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima on Friday when bidding farewell to the team at Sibane Sami Hotel, Ezulwini. The travelling athletes are Sibusiso ‘Swazi Bolt’ Matsenjwa, swimmers Hayley Hoy and Chadd Ning.
“The Olympics represent the pinnacle of all sport and taking part in them, representing your country, is the biggest honour attainable for any athlete, official or administrator. Given the chance, I would also swap my position as Minister with an opportunity to run a 100m race for my country at the Olympic Games. I therefore congratulate you as a Team and hope that you will treat this National assignment with the great decorum it deserves,” he said.
The Minister said it was disappointing that none of country’s athletes achieved outright qualification to the Games. He said that does not stop any of the athletes from making history in Paris.
“Many of you will remember that Sibusiso had qualified via a universality slot at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago and still went on to make history, qualifying for the semi-finals of the men’s 200 metres and in the process, breaking a national record. I say this to challenge you, Sibusiso, Hayley and Chadd- to remember that you are more than capable of competing strongly in Paris. We therefore urge you to go for it in Paris,” he said.
Nzima then challenged the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) and the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) to ensure that for the Los Angeles Olympics, we have at least one athlete from Eswatini qualifying outright. This is a challenge that is achievable.
“I take this moment to wish you the best in Paris. Bon voyage, Team Eswatini,” he said.
I take this moment to wish you the best in Paris. Bon voyage, Team Eswatini,” he said.
