MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay Advertiser frequently receives requests from parents asking that their children, who are exceptional athletes, be spotlighted in the paper, with the purpose of seeking financial assistance from the community to cover the steep costs associated with the various sports tournaments these athletes have been selected to compete in.
One such parent, a Mossel Bay mother who wishes to remain anonymous, says the cost of allowing her 15-year-old daughter to participate in an upcoming netball tournament amounts to R21 000 in total - all of which comes directly out of her pocket.
"It's really draining, because each and every cent I get must go to her netball expenses. I can barely take care of her siblings and have even sacrificed money for groceries in order to allow my child to play netball," she says.
Last year, she made and sold amagwinya and chicken feet to raise some money for a previous tournament while working a full-time job.
However, due to the fact that she was recently retrenched and does not have the income to buy the necessary ingredients to make and sell her products, securing the money for this year's tournament has been challenging.
Another parent, who also requested anonymity, says her son is meant to compete in an interprovincial hockey tournament in Johannesburg in two weeks, but they have not received any donations as yet.
As an unemployed single mother, she says the costs of her son's hockey tournaments are a financial burden for her.
"Tours and championships cost thousands, and that's the money I need for food and school fees. But when I see my child's face light up playing for his school or region, I know I can't say no, because it's what he loves," she says.
When these learners are not competing in tours and championships, the costs of sports uniforms, training and equipment remain high; a pair of good-quality sneakers can cost about R3 000 or more.
Funding for school sports programmes
The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports (DCAS) does not fund individual athletes.
Rather, approved school sports programmes, clubs and federations to which these athletes belong receive funding, subject to specific criteria.
According to the DCAS, funding is generally provided in full for learners of Western Cape schools who have been identified to compete in approved sporting events within the province's school sports system, specifically taking place in the province.
The funding covers the costs of accommodation, travelling, food and registration for each athlete within a school sports structure, such as the Western Cape Schools Athletics Association.
Through the Western Cape School Sports Strategy, a joint initiative between the DCAS and the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED), school sports stars are identified and supported in an effort to allow participation in tournaments where they will be respresenting the province, despite their limited financial means.
This initiative is especially aimed at learners in rural communities and no-fee schools, says the two departments.
However, if an athlete is selected for competitions outside of the Western Cape school sports system, financial assistance from the DCAS is considered on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on available funding.
"In certain circumstances, where support is considered for activities outside of the standard championship pathway, assistance may be partial and subject to the nature of the event, available funding and programme objectives," said the DCAS.
If an athlete is selected to compete internationally, they may be financially supported through the DCAS's high-performance programme.
The federation this athlete belongs to may apply to the programme on their behalf once specific criteria, such as the awarding of Protea colours, are met.
However, once competitions extend beyond the province, parents are then expected to cover the majority of the costs themselves.
"Given the scale of sports participation across the Western Cape, it would not be financially feasible to fund every learner's travel, accommodation, registration and participation costs for all sporting activities.
Resources are therefore prioritised towards ensuring equitable access to structured school sport opportunities and fully supporting learners selected through approved provincial and national championship pathways," said the DCAS.
Community support
Despite the funding received from the DCAS, parents are still struggling to afford the costs of provincial and national sports tournaments and often turn to hosting fundraisers in the Mossel Bay community.
One of the above-mentioned parents told the Advertiser she has been able to cover some of the costs of her child's netball expenses due to the assistance from a stranger who saw her daughter playing, and through a school fundraiser organised by a former primary school teacher.
The chairperson of the Western Cape Schools Athletics Association, Brandon du Plessis, says if one of his athletes has been identified to compete in an international tournament, the costs of which are unlikely to be covered by the DCAS, the association would offer some financial assistance.
"My wish is that talented kids from poor homes don't lose their chances because their parents can't afford the fees. Sports open doors, but the cost of these tours are closing them for many," said the other parent.
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