Sports volunteers, coaches learn about sports trust fund |19 September 2020

Mr Denys addressing the delegates during yesterday’s workshop

Physical education teachers, sports coaches, managers and volunteers yesterday attended a workshop during which they received information regarding funding under the Sports Trust Fund put in place by government early this month to cater for the development of youth sports teams and clubs.

A sum of R400,000 has been allocated through the youth and sports department to provide assistance for sports related projects, activities and schemes of which R20,000 on a one-off basis, will be allocated per approved project for the benefit of youth from primary school up to 30 years of age.

Participation in sports from a young age helps develop lifelong skills, helps the youths to socialise, get the required exercise, promote mental wellbeing and also assist with academic achievements.

The workshop organised yesterday at the National Sports Council (NSC) Sports Training Centre, Stad Popiler, was an opportunity for the potential sports volunteers who may receive funding for their sports projects under the Sports Trust Fund (STF) to learn about the policy and objectives of the scheme and how to apply.

Maurice Denys, chairman of the Sports Trust Fund, and NSC’s director for sports training and development, Bernard Denis, ran the session.

In addressing the participants, Mr Denys called on the participants to refrain from questioning on the timeframe of the disbursement of the fund, but to rather concentrate on what it can help to achieve in the development of the youth at this moment in time.

He urged them to grab the opportunity, given the scarcity of sponsorship at the moment.

Applicants have until September 22, 2020 to forward their project applications for approval as the fund is expected to be frozen in early November.

The fact that most of the delegates know what the youths under their care need for their further development, the application process for the project proposal is very simple and the agreed given date suits them. They are confident they will hand in their project proposals before the deadline.

They were also in favour of the initiative by government to help develop the young people’s sporting abilities and therefore keep them away from anti-social activities.

Mr Denys stated that as the policy is based on providing the greatest benefit to the wellness and healthy lifestyle of the youths, projects in that line may be given preference over others. He noted though that all applications will be evaluated on merit.

For project eligibility and criteria, proposals must come under at least one of the five given criteria to be considered for STF funding which should include:

(1) participants from the age of 8 years old to 30 years old;

(2) emerging youth sports teams and clubs with basic sporting equipment and related facilities;

(3) youth sports organisations in the implementation of and leisure activities for healthy living, e.g. youth camp, games day, workshops;

(4) encourage young entrepreneurs to innovate and develop sports related projects or schemes;

(5) assist youth sports teams and clubs for local exchange sports programmes.

The Trust Fund is being administered by a committee chaired by Mr Denys under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Government, Youth, Sports, Culture and Risk and Disaster Management. Other members of the committee, appointed for a term of two years are Fabien Palmyre, principal secretary for youth and sports; Alexandrine Zelia from local government; Terence Barbé from the National Sports Council (NSC); Debra Fanchette from Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC); Jesinta Volcère from the department of finance and Gyra Nibourette from the youth and sports department.

Patrick Joubert