Minister of Youth and Sports Iruthisham Adam states over 17.6 million U.S. dollars was spent by the government as grants for the development of sports clubs, non-governmental organisations and national associations in the past four years.
The Youth Minister made the statement at a ceremony held to celebrate the success of four years of Ministry of Youth and Sports. The Minister said in efforts to empower non-governmental organisations and clubs to operate on its own and to hold various activities, the government spent 17.6 million U.S. dollars within the past four years.
Minister Iruthisham stated it also includes expenses on national level programmes and international competitions. Noting that before the government took office only 1.7 million U.S. dollars was spent per year, Minister mentioned over 308 U.S. dollars was spent on sports activities on average per year.
The Minister expressed all the donations proves the importance given by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom to develop youth and sports in the country.