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Officials upbeat as 3rd edition of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi School Football Academy launched
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony, expressed general satisfaction at the objectives of administrators of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi Schools Football Academy when representatives of the latter group convened at the Le Meridien Hotel, Pegasus, to launch activities in the 3rd edition of the Scotia Bank/Pepsi School Football Academy, yesterday morning.
The forum was also graced by Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Christopher Matthias, DDL Marketing Executive, Sharda Vereen Chand, and Marketing Representative (Scotia Bank), Jennifer Cipriani among other football affiliates.
Minister Frank Anthony joins other officials and students for a photo op shortly after the official ceremony.
Mr. Anthony reiterated the long held belief of the ability of sports in youth development. He reminisced on a previous edition of the tournament when administrators had enunciated their aspirations for youth development. “From all indications they were not just engaged in empty talks,” noted Mr. Anthony.
The Sports Minister further pointed out that though sport now forms a part of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) not many schools are encouraging their students to pursue studies in this area. “There must be a paradigm shift where sport is regarded differently; for the development of society,” said Mr. Anthony. He further pointed out the nexus between sports and the containment of non chronic diseases.
“We must find that balance between sports and academics; we must find time for physical education,” advocated the sports Minister.
Mr. Matthias lauded the efforts of the organizers while pointing out that true development is measured by a country’s input in their youths. He noted that the Academy connotes an institution of learning in keeping with the projections of the ruling football institution, FIFA, the Caribbean Football Union and CONCACAF. “These institutions advocate structures and discipline among youths and since these are the aims and objectives of this initiative you can rest assured that the GFF will render support,” concluded Matthias.
Mrs Vereen Chand said that DDL was delighted to once again support the initiative, while explaining the reason for her company’s continued support to the programme; “The projections and aspirations of the programme fitted into our philosophy of sports development and administrators readily agreed to continue supporting,” explained Mrs Vereen Chand.
Ms Cipriani also echoed similar sentiments, “Scotia Bank regards this initiative as a trailblazer and the catalyst to football development in a meaningful way,” she said. The financial executive stressed that she anticipates another year of keen competition.
Mr. Sam referred to the tournament as a well structured, well planned and well executed engagement even as he pointed out the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sport and Culture to foster all round development of the participants. He then suggested further collaboration that would see the students benefitting through the acquisition of scholarships. Ms Brenda Harmon subsequently delivered the vote of thanks.
Several individuals and entities joined with the major sponsors and received commendation for their input in the programme including the Guyana Football Referees Council, Guyana Coach’s Association, Guyana Teacher’s Union and students and teachers of the participating schools.
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