WHEELCHAIR Basketball South Africa (WBSA) has identified a lack of funding as one of the main challenges facing the sport after the national squad failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals.
WHEELCHAIR Basketball South Africa (WBSA) has identified a lack of funding as one of the main challenges facing the sport after the national squad failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals.
The Sasol Team South Africa were defeated by four points by Algeria, who will represent Africa in Birmingham in July next year.
WBSA president Charles Saunders said: "We had no business to lose. In fact, we have ourselves to blame for failing to qualify because of our poor shooting. It was a brand- new team after we had five retirements last year, but I must say we are happy that the tournament last week was a resounding success.
"Lack of funding from the National Lottery has affected us badly in terms of the development of the sport and camps for the national team.
"We can't even go out of the country and play against some of the best teams in the world or host them because of lack of funds.
"We are happy that Basketball South Africa (BSA) are getting their house in order with the election of a new executive committee.
"The issue of financial statements is being sorted out by the new BSA leadership."
Saunders added that they appreciated the support of SA Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam, who is also chairperson of the National Lottery Distribution Fund.
"We are also in dire need of help when it comes to wheelchairs because we have players from the disadvantaged communities," Saunders said
"A wheelchair costs R12000 and it is difficult for most of our people from the suburbs and townships to afford the equipment."
Wheelchair basketball funds low
WHEELCHAIR Basketball South Africa (WBSA) has identified a lack of funding as one of the main challenges facing the sport after the national squad failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals.
WHEELCHAIR Basketball South Africa (WBSA) has identified a lack of funding as one of the main challenges facing the sport after the national squad failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals.
The Sasol Team South Africa were defeated by four points by Algeria, who will represent Africa in Birmingham in July next year.
WBSA president Charles Saunders said: "We had no business to lose. In fact, we have ourselves to blame for failing to qualify because of our poor shooting. It was a brand- new team after we had five retirements last year, but I must say we are happy that the tournament last week was a resounding success.
"Lack of funding from the National Lottery has affected us badly in terms of the development of the sport and camps for the national team.
"We can't even go out of the country and play against some of the best teams in the world or host them because of lack of funds.
"We are happy that Basketball South Africa (BSA) are getting their house in order with the election of a new executive committee.
"The issue of financial statements is being sorted out by the new BSA leadership."
Saunders added that they appreciated the support of SA Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam, who is also chairperson of the National Lottery Distribution Fund.
"We are also in dire need of help when it comes to wheelchairs because we have players from the disadvantaged communities," Saunders said
"A wheelchair costs R12000 and it is difficult for most of our people from the suburbs and townships to afford the equipment."
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