HEALTH insurance could be made mandatory for all sport delegations representing Bahrain in overseas competitions and tournaments.
The compulsory cover will benefit athletes, sportsmen and players against injuries, sicknesses or illnesses during travel.
During their weekly session yesterday, MPs unanimously voted to add the clause to the 1989 Social, Cultural and Sports and Youth Clubs, Organisations and Societies Law.
The amendment was proposed by the Strategic Thinking Bloc spearheaded by its spokesman Khalid Bu Onk.
The General Sports Authority said that the move was a step to develop professional sports in the country, but pointed out that it would be a financial burden that current federations may not be able to shoulder.
The Bahrain Olympic Committee had asked MPs to delay the vote, stating that the federation’s current allocated operation budgets can’t handle more spending at the moment.
The Bahrain Sports for All Federation requested that MPs push fast with the move because it gives the necessary assurance for sport delegates to perform to their best without fear of getting hurt and sidelined.
The Bahrain Basketball Association, Bahrain Table Tennis Association, Bahrain Football Association and Bahrain Volleyball Association all backed the concept but added they didn’t have enough money to cover it.
The Bahrain Handball Federation said that it was already working on arrangements to provide insurance.
“Health insurance should be provided to athletes, sportsmen and players who are sacrificing their well-being for the patriotic sake of putting the country on the map and winning trophies, shields, plaques, cups and medals,” said Mr Bu Onk during the session.
“These heroes are doing their utmost best, despite the risk of possibly ending up in a wheelchair paralysed for life, getting concussions or injuries,” he added.
“Federations and associations can approach sponsors to have the insurance covered similar to sportswear, travel, accommodation and other needs, if they can’t pay from their allotted spending.”
MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi said the insurance should also cover regional and international competitions held locally.
He showed photographs of a paralysed Bahraini athlete on a wheelchair who lost his job following an injury in a regional competition representing Bahrain.
“His Majesty King Hamad sent the athlete for treatment abroad, but his health and living conditions are worsening and since the injury he is yet to recover health-wise and financially,” said Mr Al Olaiwi.
Services committee vice-chairwoman Lulwa Al Romaihi demanded insurance for Bahraini athletes of all ages representing the country in all sports, locally and abroad.
The government will have six months to draft the proposed legislation into a proper law and refer it to the National Assembly for review.
In February this year, the Shura Council unanimously approved amendments to the same law giving youth and sports entities in Bahrain room to revamp.
Under those amendments, all registered members will be allowed to attend the general assembly, debate matters and cast their votes without a certain period being completed for them to exercise those rights.
All youth and sports entities would also be obliged to present a closing financial statement at the end of each year to the General Sports Authority.
However, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Bahrain Paralympic Committee and specific federations and associations will be exempted.
Youth and sports entities would also have to prepare medical records for all athletes, while having them insured against injuries or illnesses in the country or abroad.
Education Ministry legal adviser Dr Latifa Al Thawadi, representing the government, said at the time that the amendments could be inserted in the existing law, describing them as beneficial.
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