Head Teachers should “stop trivialising sports”

Jun 24, 2010 Sports

– Anthony says time available to schools

By Edison Jefford

In the second part of his stirring address at the launch of the National Schools’ Athletics, Cycling and Swimming Championships, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony urged Head Teachers to “strop trivialising sports” in their schools.
Anthony, who was speaking last week at the National Stadium, indicated that sports has become a multi-billion dollar industry and it is imperative that the schools’ system adopt a posture that is accommodating the global thrust of sports and all its facets.
“Do not trivialise the importance of sports. I am indicating to Head Teachers and teachers of the schools that they should pay attention to that and stop trivialising the importance of sports in the schools,” the minister said, adding that sports has many benefits.
“When you see we have those big international events here, do you know how much money we make from them? You know how it contributes to the economy; to the hotels and taxis, and those services that are provided. It’s a billion dollar industry,” he noted.
It was his perspective that the time has come for the national school championships to evolve to a more lucrative product. He said that can only happen if the teachers involved are aware of the industry of sports and its importance to interested young people.
Anthony revealed that Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh, had indicated to him that the time for students to practice sports is available in schools, but some Head Teachers are not cooperating to allow teachers and students to use the time for physical activity.
“Minister Baksh has said to me that the time is there, but in some schools, it is not being implemented as it should and we have to change that. We should make time available for young people to get out there and play sports. You have to create that time,” Anthony held.
Continuing with his belief that the trivialisation of sports in the schools must stop, Anthony told the teachers present at the launch that, apart from the economic benefits that can be derived, a lot of young people are suffering from non-communicable diseases.
“That is what is going to affect the new generation. What can make the difference is getting them to understand sports or getting them to understand physically involved in playing some game.
In our sports policy, it is referred to as ‘physical literacy’,” he said.
The minister informed that the concept of ‘physical literacy’ is important in understanding sports and its role in the development of the body. He urged teachers to start thinking of ways that they can get students to be physically literate and active in sports.
“I think we would definitely see the necessary changes in our society and in sport if we start with the school children.
It is very, very important to note that it start with the schools. We should see the progression when school children play sports,” Anthony concluded.

Latest News

Head Teachers should “stop trivialising sports”

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

SBM Offshore Guyana & VFMA launch Girls in Football Development...

Imlach and Nandu fifties pilot Harpy Eagles to...

A look at Government’s boldest investment in...

Barker wins big, Khalil and Simpson inch closer...

Trophy Stall on board Republic Cup three-day...

13-year old benefits from Project “Cricket Gear...

Features/Columnists

You cannot borrow your way to prosperity

OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus

Jagdeo on land, Hughes

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Head Teachers should “stop trivialising sports”

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 7th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]