State Council discusses draft sports law

MUSCAT, JAN 14
The State Council on Wednesday discussed the 'Draft Law on Sports Entities' and a study by the Social and Cultural Committee regarding 'Enhancing Financial Sustainability for Civil Society Institutions.' The session, chaired by Shaikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, reviewed the draft and report referred by the Council of Ministers.
In his address, the Chairman of the Council stated: 'Within the framework of the renewed renaissance of the triumphant journey of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, we are honoured to commend the Royal Decrees issued regarding amendments to the State's administrative apparatus and the restructuring of the Council of Ministers. These decrees embody the wise vision of enhancing the efficiency of the State's administrative apparatus with a renewed vision that aligns with changes, particularly in the economic and social spheres. They also empower national talents, contributing to the achievement of the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 for the next phase.'
The draft law on sports bodies aims to consolidate the principles of good governance in the management of sports bodies, enhance their administrative and financial independence to ensure increased institutional performance. It is also noted that the draft law seeks to create an organised legislative framework that contributes to providing an attractive and stimulating sports environment for discovering and developing national talents. The importance of the draft law lies in regulating the work of sports bodies, defining their jurisdictions and powers, and promoting the principles of transparency and accountability in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Mohammed bin Ahmed al Amri, a member of the State Council's Social and Cultural Committee and the rapporteur for the draft law on sports bodies, said, 'This represents significant development in sports legislation and law in the Sultanate of Oman, and we hope it will bring about a qualitative leap in the sports sector in the Sultanate in general.'
The study on enhancing the financial sustainability of civil society organisations aims to find sustainable sources of income for these organisations. The study stemmed from the growing role of civil society organisations in supporting national development efforts and expanding community participation.
Sanaa bint Abdulrahman al Khanjariyah, a member of the State Council's in Social and Cultural Committee, said: 'Civil society organisations play a significant and growing role in society and are key partners in Oman Vision 2040. These organisations, especially charitable societies and volunteer groups, face a number of challenges, the most prominent of which is the financial sustainability of their programmes and initiatives. This study offers several recommendations to address some of these issues. We hope these recommendations will contribute to creating sustainable income sources for these organisations and also to better regulating charitable work, ensuring no duplication in serving target groups.'