Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub-Editor: Joana Mihajlovska, Agency:  Newsflash

The Bolivian Minister of Health has sparked outrage for appointing this pretty 19-year-old footballer as the Vice Minister of Sport.

Cielo Jazmin Veizaga Arteaga, 19, was sworn in as the Vice Minister of Sport in Bolivia by the Health and Sport Minister Edgar Pozo in the capital city La Paz on 17th December.

She was appointed after leading the group Deportistas por el Cambio (Athletes for Change) for the left-wing populist and indigenous Movement for Socialism (MAS) political party led by former President Evo Morales.

Vice Minister Veizaga spoke with reporters at the event where she said she comes from a family of athletes with scarce financial means, but remained full of dreams and goals and she heralded her new role as one of her greatest achievements.

She went on to call sport one of the best medicines to help fight off viruses such as COVID-19 and a great tool to unite the country.

Minister Pozo said: “You deserve it, you have earned it. Vice Minister, you are going to have the absolute support of the different levels that make up our Ministry of Health. Moreover, young people should be rejoicing the role you are taking on.”

However, the decision sparked controversy among netizens as some accuse Vice Minister Veizaga of inexperience and having a connection with Morales after posting pictures where the two are seen together.

Netizen ‘Solecita2’ said: “What is your experience? Work experience? What merits do you have to be chosen for this role?”

‘Amallullabo’ wrote: “Another massista (person from MAS) without common sense using the excuse of being a woman. This kid cannot take the role because she has zero preparation, you really are the worst that Bolivia has. You don’t know preparation, effort and hard work. You only know how to steal, kill and destroy.”

However, ‘Amboro2000’ said: “We shouldn’t look at age or sex, the ideal characteristics for the role should prevail.”

‘CaosDesorden’ said: “I support Vice Minister Cielo Veizaga. I am very happy she was given this opportunity. We’ve already had 11 months of decrepit and useless people.”

The Vice Minister has played for the Bolivian national squad at under-10 and under-20 level. She is considered one of the best women footballers of her generation and took part in the South American U-20 Championship and the 2018 South American Games.

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