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Sports affiliates commence training sessions for Sports Ministry’s policy plan
Dr Frank Anthony delivers opening remarks at the three day sports policy seminar yesterday.
After years of agitation and false starts the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports has finally put the logistics in place and is currently formalizing the implementation of a National Sports Policy plan.
Yesterday morning, at the old Guyana National Service Sports Complex, Carifesta Avenue, the subject Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony delivered a stirring address to participants, comprising affiliates of several local sports Association/Federations moments before the facilitator, Dr Colin Hicks commenced a 3 day seminar scheduled with sports administrators of the various disciplines, scheduled to run from yesterday until tomorrow afternoon at the same venue.
The seminar will serve to sensitize participants on the intricacies of sports development and other issues as the Sports Ministry puts the logistics in place for a smooth launching of the policy document.
Mr. Hicks is no stranger to such projects as it was he that had implemented the logistics for a similar initiative in Canada. He said that he was delighted to assist in the local project as it would be the platform and tool to assist local athletes to realize their full potential. He subsequently promised his full support to the venture. Dr. Anthony labeled the occasion a significant hallmark event that had its genesis sometime in the early eighties when the former Chairman of the National Sports Commission, the late Ken DeAbreu was serving in that capacity. Dr. Anthony reminded the audience that despite the most strenuous efforts of past administrators the project never progressed beyond the discussion table. He further posited that the reason for such failures might have been the theoretical approaches adopted by the policy makers.
Dr. Anthony further pointed out that government officials decided to adopt a frontal approach to and implement an appropriate hybrid to meet the needs of the local sports fraternity.
The Minister highlighted the reason for such renewed enthusiasm. “The Government recognized that sport is not only a part time activity but is integral to the development of any society.” The Minister reiterated that sports have the capacity of stimulating social development especially when mega events are planned. “I also believe that the educational benefits derived from involvement in sports have been undervalued,” the Minister said. He further urged the participants to utilize the forum to derive as much knowledge as possible to take back to their respective areas. “You are an integral part of an historic plan. Five years onward you will reflect and pronounce that you were a part of the initial process,” Dr. Anthony concluded.
Meanwhile, Project Manager of the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), Trevor Clark was enthused about the project. He said that his organization has agreed to support the work of the local Sports Ministry. “This is one of the best sports plan in the world,” advocated Mr. Clark.
However, he warned that the initiative would need time to gel into something tangible. “There are no quick fixes to projects of this magnitude. However, the initial stages would allow the planners to identify problems that can hinder sports development,” said Mr. Clark. He said that the initial five years of the project can be considered as a first step in the right direction. “The first five years is just a small step in the right direction. We have more realistic goals as the time elapses,” assured Mr. Clark. He opined that an extended period of time after the initial five years is not an unreasonable assumption. However, the Project Manager said that such decisions are outside of his purview.
Shortly after the various speeches and commendations, Mr. Hicks commenced his lectures using power point illustrations to enforce the message.
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