According to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Michael Pintard, the government is set to review its current subvention policy for athletes in the coming weeks.
At a press conference at the ministry on Wednesday, Pintard said, the government is open to seeking help from the private sector to aid its efforts to compensate athletes competing at the highest level of their respective sports.
“Without giving too much away, I want to say that we have heard the many critiques of the current policy, and we are trying to come up with a solution to answer some of those concerns,” Pintard said.
“We know that sometimes the public is skeptical about donating to the “public kitty”, but I don’t feel the government has to continue to borrow or solely foot the bill. We are open to working with private citizens.
“At this meeting that takes place next week, each federation will have an opportunity to present a case for subvention and the guidelines explaining what makes a particular athlete elite in his or her respective sport. I also feel that athletes should be able to come forward themselves, if their federation, for whatever reason, doesn’t apply for subvention.”
Director of Sports Tim Munnings also briefly touched on the upcoming policy meeting.
“Right now we have no specific number in place. We will meet and determine the criteria for subvention,” Munnings said.
“So this means, although we are trying to help out more of our athletes, that still doesn’t mean that everyone will apply. Some people that might feel they have a case may be left out.”
