Shura Council approves proposal for National Sports Support Fund H Naser

TDT | Manama

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The Shura Council's Youth Affairs Committee has approved a proposal to establish a National Sports Support Fund. Submitted by Redah Monfaredi, Dalal Al Zayed, Ali Al Aradi, and Hesham Alqassab, the proposal was reviewed and discussed with representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs before receiving approval.

The 19-article law calls for the creation of a self-sufficient fund, managed by the General Sports Authority. The fund will support private sports organisations, maintain sports facilities, fund youth and national teams, and promote sporting excellence.

The fund will be managed by a board of directors and a CEO, with a commercially structured budget and transparent financial regulations. The assets are public funds, and employees will adhere to existing civil service laws. In case of dissolution, assets will revert to the General Sports Authority.

According to the accompanying memorandum, the fund aims to enhance private sector sports activities within the framework of the GSA’s plan, without affecting the state budget. It also seeks to increase private sector contributions to Bahrain’s sports development.

The committee, after consulting relevant authorities, concluded that the fund would improve sports funding efficiency and play a key role in supporting the sports sector. The proposal was deemed legally and constitutionally sound, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to sports as a pillar of soft power and national economic growth.

It also aligns with similar models in countries like Oman, Qatar, Yemen, and Egypt, which have established dedicated funds for sports and youth activities.