Yassin’s pronouncements long overdue

Jan 21, 2010 Sports

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– The GOA must absorb some of the blame

By Rawle Welch

The recent forthright pronouncements made by President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) K.A Juman Yassin where he challenged the Ministry of Sport and the Government to do more for the development of sports was most welcomed.
The remarks made by Yassin in his capacity as GOA Head was long overdue and the mere fact that it was done in the presence of Minister Dr. Frank Anthony should have enough impact to initiate some movement from the Government to facilitate the development of an industry that could stimulate personal and economic growth among our athletes and the business community.
Yassin, delivering an address at the Athletic Association of Guyana Award Ceremony spoke of the need for new infrastructure and more financial support for touring teams from Government, while he also urged all national associations to form alliances to help advance a forward thrust in sport among other relevant suggestions.
The GOA Head, perhaps responding to the plethora of criticisms levelled at his entity and the Ministry attempted to answer some of the questions posed in an earlier issue of this newspaper.
He pointed to the lack of certain facilities for Guyana’s dismal showing at international competitions, adding that it is the responsibility of Government to provide such, while the management and expansion of individual disciplines rest squarely on the shoulders of the respective associations.
One would have to concede that all the above observations and submissions are bang on target, but in reference to the other sentiments expressed, the GOA would have to take some of the blame for its lethargy in not bringing to bear more pressure on the Government and the Ministry of Sport for Guyana’s slothful progress in sport.
Yassin argued that the comparison between Guyana and other regional territories should not be made, simply because of the others superior economic standing, while companies such as Nike have a presence in countries such as Jamaica.
Well, that offering seems to be a feeble attempt to absolve the GOA from taking some of the blame for the dilemma sports locally finds itself in.
He mentioned the tons of coaches who were sent on courses over a short period, but who have returned and not fulfilled their purpose as intended.
The fact of the matter is Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and all the other territories in the Caribbean did not get to where they are right now overnight. It took well defined policies for development and a common understanding between the relevant parties which rose above egotism and centred on what was best for the nation.
Little St. Kitts was able to benefit from Nike through the tremendous efforts of sprinter Kim Collins, who grabbed gold at the 2003 World Championships.
His exploits have not produced an athlete of his quality since, but what it has done is made Nike and other major sponsors aware of the island’s potential. His performance sold the tiny island ten fold and they’ve reaped benefits plentiful since.
The GOA from Yassin’s disclosure chose to place most of its investments in officials instead of athletes and while nothing is wrong with that, more often, providing such opportunities to an athlete (s) usually pays far more dividends than administrators and examples such as Jamaicans Merlene Ottey, Don Quarrie, Asafa Powell, Usain Bolt, T&T’s Ato Boldon, Brian Lara, Dwight Yorke, Barbadians Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Fran Worrell, hurdler Ryan Braithwaite, Obadele Thompson could attest to this.
Their popularity on the world stage of sports has been one of the primary reasons for the economic success in tourism in their respective countries.
There are many other areas of support that member Olympic Associations give to native athletes, while they also provide handsome disbursements to affiliate members to help enhance their programmes.
Once again we pose those questions that we feel were not answered.
(1) Does the GOA begin the year with a projected budget?
(2) If it does what assistance is given to affiliates at the start of the year to run their programmes and who are they?
(3) Does the GOA solicit Government, National Sports Commission or corporate funding to assist its affiliates?
(4) Does the GOA have a Marketing Committee that goes in search of any shortfall in funding?
(5) If it does have such an arm, highlight some of the fund raising initiatives or programmes it has undertaken?
(6) In terms of international competitions, has the GOA decided which ones will take priority so to give this country the best chance of securing medals?

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