SOUTH AFRICAN SWIMMERS REPRESENTING SOUTH AFRICA ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE ASKED TO PAY R55,000 OR WITHDRAWL FROM THE COMPETITION

Representing one's nation at the international stage is the biggest dream for any athlethes, and this is the case of the south african swimmers who has been selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming world short course championships in Beijing. Though it seems the jouney has been weighed down due to reportedly finiancial ultimatum.

A report published by IOL Sport revealed that the south african swimmers have been given an ultimatum to pay a sum of R550,000 out of their own pockets or withdrawl from the team. The Proposed R5550,000 in question is said to cover their fighs, accomadation and offical managements cost, excluding visa. Though the payment has been divided into two installments, with R40,000 to be paid by November 10 and and the remaining balance of R15,000 to be paid by November 25.

Though some athlethes took to booking their own flight to ease the financial burden on them, they are still made to contribute a sum of R37,000 for accomadtion and management fees. In addition the competitors are made to be responsible for their own visas, travel insurance, and a domestic flight connecting to Johannesburg.

## THE CRUCIAL IMPACT OF FINANCE IN SPORT##
This controversy draws beyond the aspect of asking swimmers to pay a sum of money to participate. instead it questions the national sporting organisation primary responsibility to athlethes who have toiled to get to the interantional stage, only to still be asked to bear the finiacial cost. Some families may be able to foot the full R55,000 while some may not be able to foot it. This act as a constraint to the athletes who have trained, competed and earned their spot and this isn't fair on them.

This also draws attention to providing adequate funds to athletes, in order for them to have access to proper traing facilities, coaching equipment and other finacial support. It also questions how national sporting organisations allocate funds to athletes, for them to be reduced to such a sympathethic manner.

##QUESTIONS UNANSWERED##
This report has left gaps opened to the public. Questions like the funding available to suppport the national team? Is it right for athletes mearnt to represent their country be asked to foot their finacial cost from their pockets?

There are also concerns on what happens to athletes who does not have any means to cover the amount of R55,000. And how the money demanded was calculated? This questions needs answers and the public is also curious to know the future of this bright, hardworking athletes, who are given such ridiculous ultimatum, and the question of whether it would serve as a barrier, is what the south african swimming must confront. As representing one's nation is a thing of celebeartion, and should not be hindered by any finiancial circumstances. And as the competition draws closer attention remains on how the fedeartion seeks to settle this controversy.