After the decision by the Ministry of Education and Science to change the distribution of state funding for sports federations, the Latvian Olympic Committee (LOK) wants more clarity as to the way how financing will be distributed, LOK secretary general Kārlis Lejnieks claimed in an interview to LTV programme Rīta panorāma.
As previously reported, after the change of the state funding model, Latvian sports federations still haven’t received this year’s state funding amount, which causes concerns about federations’ continued operations and athletes’ opportunities to prepare for sports competitions.
“The fact that we have loaned money to certain federations for a period of time when we have specific decisions. This is a fact. This is not a normal situation at all,” said Lejnieks.
He explained that individual athletes, small teams and basketball teams also want a clear picture on the qualification for Olympic games. All of this needs to be viewed together, and uncertainty is draining. The sooner athletes get the full picture, the sooner the uncertainty ends and we will be able to return to our preparations, adds LOK secretary general.
Lejnieks mentioned that IZM’s changes to the funding model should not put an end to all work and make financing terms unclear.
“We’re moving in accordance with the plan. We want answers. We have the right to receive answers. All we want is clarity. Sports competitions have already started. Some athletes have already left, others are still preparing. The Paris Olympic Games are just around the corner,” added Lejnieks, stressing that many Latvian sports federations depend on the state budget.
Sprinter Gunta Vaičule, who is also the head of LOK Athletes Committee, told LTV that delays with funding is not something unique, but its not considered normal. She stressed that this season most Latvian athletes will be preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
She stressed that the funding issue also affects Latvian athletes and their preparation for Olympic Games.
“Even if a federation is able to finance camps for athletes, it is great, but after some time the question comes up when this money will come back. All of this affects athletes. This especially affects their mental health. All of it causes a great deal of stress, anxiety and hopelessness. This doesn’t apply to all athletes, but there are certain cases,” said the Latvian athlete.
On Friday, the 9th of February, Latvian National Sports Council will be holding a meeting, during which it is planned to discuss state funding for the sports sector this year. Lejnieks reveals that so far he has not received any documents – he only knows about the agenda.
Also read: BNN ANALYSES | Russian GRU assassin and mastermind of terror attacks sat next to Vytautas Landsbergis
Follow us on Facebook and X!