Another chance for Athletics

THE Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) has reconsidered a decision to de-register Athletics Namibia (AN) in the interest of the athletes.

Chairman of the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Stanley Simataa said the Commission has directed AN to submit its outstanding audited financial reports for the financial years 2004/5 and 2005/6 before the deadline of July 31. Only the reports for 2003/4 were accepted by the Commission.Simataa said the decision to give AN another chance to come up with the required documents was made to guarantee participation of athletes in the forthcoming All Africa Games set for Algeria in July and the 2008 Olympic Games.On April 18 this year, the NSC threatened AN with de-registration if its leadership, under president Alpha Kangueehi, did not submit substantive explanations and documentation on or before April 27.Although AN submitted the requested information before the expiry date, the Commission rejected the justification given by AN on their failure to hold their Congress on the date March 28 this year, as initially agreed.Simataa said that no attempt was made to engage the Commission in contemplating the change.”On this score, AN has been warned in writing to in future follow the laid down procedures when handling similar issues.This directive applies to all sport codes and umbrella bodies.It is the Commission’s belief that the AN leadership, its constituencies and indeed all athletes will take the olive branch extended by the Commission and put their house in order because the next level of action on the part of this Commission will not be based on compassionate grounds,” Simataa said.Funds earmarked to AN will not be released and the Commission, through its secretariat will disburse funds on behalf of AN for services provided.NampaOnly the reports for 2003/4 were accepted by the Commission.Simataa said the decision to give AN another chance to come up with the required documents was made to guarantee participation of athletes in the forthcoming All Africa Games set for Algeria in July and the 2008 Olympic Games.On April 18 this year, the NSC threatened AN with de-registration if its leadership, under president Alpha Kangueehi, did not submit substantive explanations and documentation on or before April 27.Although AN submitted the requested information before the expiry date, the Commission rejected the justification given by AN on their failure to hold their Congress on the date March 28 this year, as initially agreed.Simataa said that no attempt was made to engage the Commission in contemplating the change.”On this score, AN has been warned in writing to in future follow the laid down procedures when handling similar issues.This directive applies to all sport codes and umbrella bodies.It is the Commission’s belief that the AN leadership, its constituencies and indeed all athletes will take the olive branch extended by the Commission and put their house in order because the next level of action on the part of this Commission will not be based on compassionate grounds,” Simataa said.Funds earmarked to AN will not be released and the Commission, through its secretariat will disburse funds on behalf of AN for services provided.Nampa