By Michael Uugwanga
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a significant step by introducing its Fit for the Future Olympian Grant programme, which will provide every eligible Olympian who competes at the Olympic Games with US$10 000 (about N$160 000).
However, the programme does not include Paralympians or Special Olympics athletes.
The next Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be held in Los Angeles, USA, in 2028.
According to the IOC, the US$10 000 is not prize money for winning medals but a universal grant designed to help athletes fund their sporting careers or transition into their professions.
To qualify, athletes must not have violated anti-doping regulations, breached the IOC Code of Ethics or violated the Olympic Charter.
The move has been widely welcomed, particularly for athletes from developing countries such as Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana, where many competitors have historically struggled financially to prepare for and compete at the Olympic Games.
This week, Confidente spoke to Athletics Namibia officials, a Paralympian and sports administrators to get their views on the initiative and what it means for African athletes, particularly Namibians.
Edward Kapewasha, Athletics Namibia’s Publicity and Media Liaison Officer for Development in the Ohangwena Region, de- scribed the initiative as a positive development, saying it would motivate more athletes to work hard- er to qualify for the Games.
“This is a significant and welcome development. For many athletes from developing countries, qualifying for the Olympic Games already comes with enormous financial sacrifices. Many fund their own training, equipment, nutrition, travel and medical care, often with limited sponsorship or government support.
The IOC’s decision to provide a financial grant to every eligible Olympian recognises that simply reaching the Games is a remarkable achievement.
It is not prize money for winning medals but rather support that acknowledges the commitment and sacrifices athletes make throughout their journey to qualify for the Olympics.
“I believe it is a positive and progressive move. However, it is important to understand the distinction between what was initially discussed and what has now been decided,” said Kapewasha.
In May this year, IOC President Kirsty Coventry sparked debate after stating in an interview that she did not believe in paying athletes. She later clarified on social media that she was referring specifically to Olympic prize money.
“Kirsty Coventry’s earlier comments were directed at the idea of prize money for medal winners, arguing that it would benefit only a small number of athletes. She later clarified that her concern was specifically about prize money rather than broader athlete support.
“From my perspective, this strikes a better balance. It preserves the Olympic spirit while acknowledging the financial realities athletes face today. Elite sport has become increasingly expensive, and many Olympians are not professional athletes with lucrative contracts. Supporting all participants helps make the Games more equitable, particularly for competitors from less affluent nations.
“It is a good move because it helps offset some of the costs incurred in preparing for the Games, reduces the financial burden on athletes and their families and, most importantly, encourages more young athletes to pursue Olympic qualification,” Kapewasha added.
Ironically, the US$10 000 grant is only available to Olympians and not Paralympians, raising concerns about the welfare and recognition of para-athletes.
Paralympians are governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), with Namibia represented through the Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC).
Paralympic gold medallist Lahja Ishitile, who also serves as the female athletes’ representative on the NPC board, said she was disappointed to learn that Paralympians are excluded from the programme.
Ishitile won gold in the women’s 400m T11 event and bronze in the women’s 200m T11 at the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris.
“Unfortunately, we Paralympians are not included, only able-bodied athletes. However, I am happy for the able-bodied athletes. Remember that Olympic athletes also receive financial rewards for winning medals at the Olympic Games, while we Paralympians do not, because the IOC and IPC are two different organisations,” said Ishitile.
NPC president Dr Donovan Zealand said he planned to meet Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) president Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa this week to seek clarity on why Paralympians are not included in the programme.
