I bet Franklin D Roosevelt understood the challenges that would one day confront our canoe polo players when he coined his famous phrase, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”

Roosevelt’s point was that resilience, competence and true expertise are forged through adversity, not during moments when life is calm and effortless.

Those words came back to me three weeks ago while standing on the shores of Homestead Dam, watching our local canoe polo players prepare for the upcoming International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Polo World Championships in Germany this September.

The calm waters of that pristine lake certainly help produce quality canoe polo players. If they didn’t, we wouldn’t have several athletes earning places in South Africa’s national squads. But what truly makes Roosevelt’s words ring true is the resilience these players show every day as they continue training despite severe financial challenges.

Canoe polo is not a mainstream sport.

It doesn’t enjoy the corporate backing, television coverage or public attention afforded to South Africa’s traditional big sporting codes. Many South Africans know little about it and, unfortunately, many care even less.

Yet these athletes have earned the right to represent their country on the world stage.

However, the problem is a familiar one. Funding.

The players must largely fund their own trip to Germany. Many, including members of East Rand Kayak Club (ERK), have been forced to turn to their communities and launch fundraising campaigns simply to wear the green and gold.

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It doesn’t sit well with me.

Not when reports suggest that Sports, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie spent R19.2m on a delegation to the FIFA World Cup in North America.

According to those reports, R3.5m was spent on artists and performers, R6.7m on Bafana Bafana legends and R9m on ministerial and departmental delegates.

Meanwhile, athletes selected to represent South Africa are left going cap in hand to friends, family and strangers for support.

And it isn’t just canoe polo.

Our age-group baseball girls reportedly need around R65 000 each to travel to the United States for the Baseball For All tournament. And gymnasts Anchè Davidson and Kenneth Hart have launched a crowdfunding campaign to get themselves to the FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships in Italy in September.

The message seems clear. If you’re an athlete outside the mainstream, you’re largely on your own.

It is particularly frustrating when we continue losing talent because of a lack of support. Swimmer Matthew Sates is apparently seeking Australian citizenship, while sprinter Benjamin Richardson switched allegiance to Ireland, both citing limited opportunities and support structures.

One has to ask. What exactly are the department’s priorities?

Why spend millions flying politicians, performers and former players overseas when current athletes are struggling to represent their country? What purpose do artists and performers serve at a football tournament? Are Bafana Bafana legends expected to take the field, or are these simply expensive perks?

South Africa cannot afford to keep bleeding talent while investment is directed elsewhere.

Our young athletes deserve better.

For now, they will continue doing what they have always done – overcoming obstacles, finding a way and pushing forward.

After all, as Roosevelt reminded us, resilience, competence and true expertise are built by overcoming challenges and adversity.

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