The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has been offered an opportunity to receive a substantive fund to help it develop the sport in the country following an announcement by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) of availability of palliative fund for its member federations, Completesports.com reports.
IWF has revealed a scaleup of development fund for member federations with $500,000 (£400,000/€455,000) which will also act as an effective palliative against the Covid-19 crisis.
This presupposes that the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and others could receive more money this time around which is accessible through a satisfactory application process to be vetted by the IWF’s Development and Education Commission.
The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation need all the funding it can get to continue from where it stopped in the development of the sport under the leadership of Yahaya Muhammad who passed away on April 18 just as the Covid-19 pandemic forced the suspension of sporting activities.
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Vice President of NWF, Emmanuel Nwankwo, is currently piloting the affairs of the Federation, and has been tipped to be promoted to the position of the President soon by members of the association.
Below is the full text of the statement as publishes on the website of the International Weightlifting Federation.
IWF’s Statement
Based on strong financial foundations, the IWF has allocated $500,000 in additional development funding for member federations in order to help them deal with extra burdens imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following consultation with the IOC, the IWF has also been able to assure members that no advance payment will be needed against revenue anticipated from Tokyo 2020.
Since letting member federations know of the opportunity to apply for additional resources, the IWF has received more than 130 applications for additional development funding, demonstrating the extent to which extra help is needed and the extent to which it will be welcomed.
The IWF’s 2020 Development Programme had initially been established to fund seminars and equipment. Following the significant increase in funding made available, that scope has been expanded to cover event support and expenses related to COVID-19. The revised scope includes elements that will have a direct beneficial impact for athletes, including support for flights and accommodation in order to attend IWF-sanctioned competitions. In order to be eligible for development funding, IWF member federations must complete a global survey and provide a budget together with audited financial statements.
During the pandemic, the IWF is sending a strong message for athletes to stay at home and to find new ways to stay strong while avoiding public places. The Development and Education Commission alongside the Technical, Medical and Coaching and Research Committees is working to release useful content that keeps weightlifters and fans engaged during this difficult period, including explanatory videos of the IWF Technical and Competition Rules & Regulations, home training tips, explanation about the importance of social distancing and positive messages of Member Federations and their lifters.
All stakeholders, athletes, Member, Regional or Continental Federations are welcomed to send their contents to contribute to this initiative.
