SASCOC backs Rowing South Africa’s Sustainability fund

Earlier this month SABC Sport spoke to the President of Rowing South Africa Ben Burnand who shed light on the fund which the federation has set a target of R50 Million as means to ensure athletes have the necessary resources to succeed when competing internationally.

This initiative aligns with one of the five strategic pillars of SASCOC, “governance and sustainability.” 

Burnand mentioned that SASCOC has been encouraging the federation to look for ways to be sustainable. 

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Simelane says this initiative carried out by Rowing South Africa should be celebrated and encouraged.

“I think it’s great initiatives and for any organisation to take every type of innovative idea and to use every single piece of resource available to them to try and deliver the best they can for their athletes that needs to be encouraged and it need to be celebrated,” said Simelane

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Simelane also acknowledged that the funding environment is one that needs urgent attention while admitting that there is never going to be enough government money.

“I think our thoughts have been clear and we do understand the government to be a great partner in the work that we’re doing in the development of sport and we definitely do think that the funding environment is one that needs unbelievable and urgent attention.”

“But I think that’s as much as we can say on that right now. We can advocate at all times for the government to do more and to do all that it can. There’s never going to be enough government money. And I think that the funding environment within sport is one of the most critical discussions we have to engage in,” she expressed.