The economic crisis that the world is experiencing due to the coronavirus has also reached the world of sports.
Ecuador is no exception and the Ministry of Sports has notified the presidents of 20 national federations about the ministerial agreement for support for High Performance, which states: "30% of the constant value will be transferred to the beneficiary sports entity once this agreement is signed; as for the remaining 70%, it will be transferred when the resources and budget certification are available."
For Manuel Bravo, president of the Ecuadorian Athletics Federation, the allocation of 30% does not cover what they require. "Possibly, the government's response is not adequate. Although they are promises, the truth is that there is a bitter taste. Personally, I don't believe them at all."
According to Bravo, two situations can occur: either the Ministry of Sports has budgeted but not assigned the money, or it is already assigned but the Ministry of Finance has not deposited it into the institutions. "I have the slight impression that they are only patching up the situation. I hope to be wrong for the good of not only athletics but also sports in general, but with the economic crisis, there is hardly a light at the end of this tunnel."
The leader believes that due to the current emergency situation, the entire state budget is being cut from 30% to 60%, and in order to fulfill their obligations to athletes, they will have to "reallocate priorities."
How it will affect
On the other hand, Álex González, president of the Ecuadorian Boxing Federation, stated that the budget cut will greatly affect the planning of annual activities, given this emergency that deepens the economic crisis of the countries. "Fortunately, international activities are suspended this semester, so we have to make joint efforts to self-manage and obtain resources to allow our athletes to attend tournaments in the second semester, if they take place."
Planning
Rescheduling
Due to the change in the date of the Olympic Games, Ecuadorian athletes have had to reschedule their training and participation calendars at the international level.
Training
The leadership agrees that if there are no official tournaments, athletes must continue training and that generates investment. (D)