MBABANE – Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) needs over E370 000 to compete in the CANA Zone IV championships.
The African Swimming Confederation (CANA) championships are billed for the Alvalade Swimming Pool in Luanda, Angola, starting from May 3 to May 7, 2023. The swimming governing body has shortlisted 17 swimmers to represent the country in the annual event. However, ESA is racing against time to raise at least E374 000 to fly the swimmers to the Portuguese-speaking country. Following this hurdle, ESA has come out to appeal to the public for assistance in raising the money. ESA Secretary General Nozipho Mahlalela said any amount was welcome.
“Each swimmers needs about E22 000 in order to travel to Angola. We appeal to individuals, businessmen and the corporate sector to sponsor us with any amount of cash they could. We do not have enough funds to send the team despite some subvention we received from Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association and World Aquatics. Even now, we will depart a day before the competition as we don’t have enough funds to sustain the team,” said Mahlalela.
Mahlalela said it was challenging to travel by road to Angola as the long trip could exhaust them. On their Facebook page, ESA mentioned that the sponsorship of their swimmers can inspire them to swim their hearts out in Luanda. Last year, ESA brought home 10 medals from a similar event staged in Lusaka, Zambia. Meanwhile, those willing to assist can contact Mahlalela on 7699 0108.
