Newly established Sports Association formed in Region 8

Jun 26, 2016 Sports

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Youths in and around Region 8 are now breathing a sigh of relief with the recent establishment of a sports association within the region. This is with the recent establishment of the North Pakariams Sports Association which will cater for several sports disciplines. Among the many sporting disciplines that the association will cater for includes Football, Cricket (Tape and Hardball), Volleyball, Dominoes, Archery, Boxing and Athletics.

Leoni Sears, who has been elected to head Women’s Football in the region, said that everything has already been put in place for the effective running of the association. She disclosed that while executing sporting competitions in the region can be very challenging, they are determined to make a positive impact. “The youths over the years have been calling for such an association that will manage and organize various competitions and programmes so that the young people can positively channel their energies. We have heard their cries thus the realization of the North Parkariams Sports Association,” Sears said.
It was disclosed that Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region 8 Rafel Downes has endorsed the newly formed association promising to lend whatever assistance than he can. He cited the great financial cost associated with travelling within the region. “Traveling among the various communities in Region 8 is very expensive and this is one of the greatest stumbling blocks in executing projects and programmes within the region,” Sears noted.
The REO in lending support pointed out that several of the villages in sub section one is about 40 miles from each other thus proving as a major challenge in getting around. “In many of the villages people have to walk for 12 and more hours just to get to the next village as it’s roughly 40 miles apart from each other. Sport is a major thing in this region but organizing and executing it at a very high professional standard continues to be a difficulty,” the REO admitted.
He stressed that his RDC administration is prepared to lend any assistance that they can in making projects and programmes being organized by the newly formed association a reality, noting that it is the first officially registered sporting association within the region. “In the past we have had little groups here and there organizing little competitions among themselves, however it’s the first time that we are having a registered professionally run sporting association that caters for several sporting disciplines while devising training and other programmes for youths in various sporting disciplines,” he said.
“This is certainly a first for us at the RDC and the region and as such, I am certain that like many we are all elated and excited over this achievement as we are confident that with the right support and assistance that a number of youths from this region will be able to get the exposure and opportunities that they have been longing for over the years,” the REO added.
It was pointed out that the establishment of the newly formed sporting association serves as a catalyst to propel sports development within the Hinterland communities as it comes on the heels of the Hinterland Games which is expected to be staged in August. “Everyone is excited over the proposed Hinterland Games which will be held soon and this will help in further promoting and developing the region. We are confident that with the hinterland games being organized it would not only identify talent in the various regions but it will further boost sports development among the various villages and communities within their own regions,” the REO declared.
Already to kick off the sports association agenda of events is a major Football Fiesta and Tapeball cricket Competition has been organized. The three major competitions that have been organized includes a football Championship, Tapeball cricket Competition, a shooting competition and a cross region run. The competitions which will be staged in July will see teams representing some eighteen villages.
Already excitement among the various villages has been increased as several Toashos have begun preparation in their own communities for the planned Sports Championships. A number of senior Government and Private Sector officials are expected to grace the competitions. “This is historic as it is the first time in the history of the region that we would be having such a major sporting competition targeting so many communities, this is something that everyone is very excited about and we are prepared to work towards making this and other programmes which will address the many social ills affecting the youths of our region successful,” a resident said.
“We firmly believe that its time that our youths are given an option as in the past they were left without an option as all they were exposed to a lot of negatives, it’s time we continue to pave opportunities for them and with the excitement of the sporting association I am confident like many that it will serve positively,” the resident declared.

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