Genuine and comprehensive approach needed for real development

Genuine and comprehensive approach needed for real development – Hutson

Apr 28, 2014 Sports

Glowing in the success of the fourth place finish at the just concluded Junior Carifta Games in Martinique, President of the Athletic Association of Guyana Aubrey Hutson speaking with Kaieteur Sport recently said that real development in athletics could only happen if there is a genuine and comprehensive approach among all stakeholders.

Aubrey Hutson

Hutson, who replaced former President Colin Boyce, made the remarks during an interview to recognize the outstanding performances of double gold medalist Cassie George and gold and silver medalist Kadecia Baird.
The AAG Head said until there is a serious and complete programme which starts at the earliest stage possible it will be difficult for Guyana to duplicate or even challenge the achievements of countries such as Jamaica.
“Their programme is a comprehensive one which is well documented and results oriented it starts very early in a student’s school career and is guided by qualified coaches so until we have such a programme in place we will continue to get isolated outstanding performances such as George and Baird,” Hutson related.
In reference to the National Schools Athletic Championships, Hutson said while it serves to highlight talent it is not as comprehensive as it ought to be and should be seen as just that and not the supreme situation for actual development.
He encouraged all genuinely interested stakeholders to meet with the AAG to discuss and formulate policies that could strengthen and in some cases replace some of the existing strategies in order for the sport to experience real and sustained development.
He pointed to the performances of George and Baird as indicators of Guyana slowly becoming an emerging force within regional athletics, while also recognizing the performances of the other members of the contingent who returned with personal best (PB) times.
“We are an emerging force as evidenced by George and Baird’s display against the mighty Jamaicans, while most of the others, though not medaling, returned with PBs.”
Hutson felt that a stronger presence from the Government in terms of financial assistance and a little more support from the corporate community as well even better results could be garnered.
He added that with the Games slated to be staged in St. Kitts next year and with the cost of traveling anticipated to be significantly cheaper it provides a solid opportunity for the AAG to expose more athletes and even boost their medal count.
Commenting on some of the individual performances, Hutson told this newspaper that he felt Jason Yaw was a bit disappointing, having registered a fast time in the heats, but failed to do same in the final.
He said it was a clear example of his mental weakness a situation according to him has to be addressed if the athlete is going to make a serious impact in the sport despite his envious physical stature for his age.
“There is no doubt that he could develop into a world class athlete, but success in sport as we know depends so much on the mental aspect and if he is to succeed at the highest level this is an area that will have to be worked on,” Hutson mentioned.
Kevin Abbensetts was clearly outclassed, he just could not match the speed of the Jamaicans, but according to Head Coach Sham Johnny the experience was good for him and he returned with the knowledge of knowing what aspects of his development he needs to work on.
The girls 4X400 relay team performed creditably for such a young quartet and both Hutson and Johnny were optimistic that providing they stay dedicated next year could be a defining one for them.
According to the two officials they ran superbly against older athletes and this augurs well for their future.