Athletes left in the dark by Department of Education
Local athletics trainers feel they are fighting a losing battle when it comes to the South African Athletics Championships and getting support from the Department of Education.
POLOKWANE – Some of the trainers, who train athletes from various schools, spoke to BONUS and said they feel saddened by the fact that athletes are being thrown under the bus by the department when it comes to covering accommodation and transportation.
“Only a handful of athletes could attend the athletics meeting in Potchefstroom recently because there was just not money for the other athletes. We have a lot of talent but this goes to waste because we are dealing with a department that, it seems, could not care less about the future of athletes in Limpopo,” a trainer, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
In the past, 115 star athletes from various schools were left stranded in the sun without anything to eat or drink because of miscommunication issues.
A source close to the athletics meeting said the issues are not only limited to accommodation and transportation, but go much deeper.
He said there were incidents where athletes were left at gates at meetings when there was again miscommunication by the department towards athletes and their parents on the stamping of certificates.
“This resulted in some of the best talent in Limpopo being left standing outside an event where they could have won first place because they do not have a stamp. This is one of our best athletes with the potential to become and Olympic medalist, but they lose out on this opportunity due to people who do not know what they are doing and messing with the talent of a young athlete,” Joe Mashela, a parent and trainer, told BONUS.
He added that in one instance athletes began with the first items but were halted in their tracks by the department because the department was behind schedule and wanted to conduct their opening ceremony.
“These athletes were forced to sit in the hot sun while delegate after delegate was introduced. This had an immense impact on the performance of the athletes. At a competition like the championships, this is a serious injustice to the athletes,” Mashela added.
Department of Education Spokesperson, Dr Naledzani Rasila, said the Potchefstroom event was not one recognised by the National Departments of Eduvation and Sports and as such the athletes that took part there would not have been assisted with transport or accommodation.
He added that in the coming championships in April, the department is taking the responsibility to have athletes transported and given accommodation on themselves.
“We do not see any issues with the arrangements made and we are ready to assist the athletes attend the championships with no hiccups,” Rasila said.
