National Lottery ploughs R70 milion into Team SA

The National Lotteries Commission has confirmed its partnership with SASCOC in funding athletes and their programmes for Rio 2016 and beyond. 

According to the official SASCOC website, The sponsorship commitment, valued at R70 million will provide much-need injection into addressing athletes’ requirements in the lead up to the Rio Olympics.

These funds are to be utilised towards the delivery of Team SA to the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games. 

Some funds will be used for athlete preparation for these games.

Chairperson of the NLC, Prof Ntshengedzeni Nevhutanda said, " Besides being the largest funder of sport in South Africa, the National Lotteries Commission has a long standing

partnership with the Olympics and Paralympics through its relationship with SASCOC. We are very honoured to extend this association in the interests of our athletes who will be c

ompeting with the greatest of world sports."

"Through this historical alliance, we at the National Lotteries Commission have seen our athletes perform at the Olympics since South Africa was re-admitted into the global sports organization. 

We have witnessed the outstanding achievements of our sportsmen and women who have, on numerous occasions, brought us glory. The NLC is confident that our on-going partnership with SASCOC 

will bring continuous development and further success for our athletes," added Prof Nevhutanda.

"SASCOC would like to thank the National Lotteries Commission for the huge sponsorship they have contributed to Team SA. This relationship with the NLC is not new but dates back from the time 

when we re-entered the Olympic movement. The NLC has been involved in funding our development and OPEX programmes which ultimately results in the preparation of our world class athletes,"

said Mr Gideon Sam, President of SASCOC.

Sam added: " The public’s support is also appreciated because the money they use to purchase lotto tickets go a long way towards supporting Team SA and adding to their success. 

We can assure the NLC that their support and continued association with SASCOC has enabled our athletes to compete at the highest levels of international sports. 

This sponsorship is an indication that the NLC has full confidence in our athletes as well as SASCOC’s ability to deliver a successful games."

Chief Executive of SASCOC, Tubby Reddy reiterated that, " The NLC has always been partners with SASCOC and we are grateful for their continued support towards the development of our athletes. 

We have always maintained that sponsorship, as shown by the NLC, is vital to our ability to produce world class athletes."

" This generous sponsorship from the NLC is a tremendous boost for Team SA as we prepare for Rio 2016. Corporate South Africa is increasingly showing an appetite to partner with a winning team 

and Team SA and SASCOC can assure our country that our athletes will make us proud at Rio 2016, " said Reddy.