Perhaps our sports officials are unaware of the impact of such an event [2015 Jamaica International Invitational] in inspiring the country’s youth, in building national pride, and in building a sporting heritage – Bush Tea
The Jamaica International Invitational 2015 track and field meet was a spectacular event for many reasons – view event 3hr 58m:-
A few observation regional decision makers should seriously consider after attending or viewing the event:
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A stadium built to world class standard
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The ability to attract sponsors both individual and corporate
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Creating a world class sports program that is able to attract ‘visitors’ to the island, AND international media coverage
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The ability of the authorities to fill the stands with PROUD Jamaicans
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To observe children proudly wearing clothing with the names of Jamaican athletes emblazoned
The Jamaica detractors will retort, look at the problems of the economy which have spanned decades, the issues caused by the penetration of drugs in communities. Imagine if Jamaica did not have a successful sports program to negate social issues all societies have to tackle. Just imagine if Barbados with a more ‘stable’ social climate saw the benefit of efficiently investing in the youth through the avenues of sports and culture by reallocating resources from the traditional ‘heads’. How about directing the savings generated by preventing graft to sports– see Auditor General reports.
In contrast we have a dilapidated national stadium – the use of the public stands were recently condemned and directed to be repaired. We recently witnessed the cancellation of NAPSAC and BSSAC our two premier junior events.
Jamaica’s sports program is obviously 75 years or more ahead of Barbados but this is no reason – at a late stage – our planners and technocrats should not leverage a modicum of commonsense to identify the benefits to be accrued by vigorously pursuing a well thought out national sports program. A good entry point to force the culture change required to move to the next level is for the authorities to signal to Barbadians and beyond the importance of a well run sports program. It is no accident the ministry of sports in Jamaica is located in the prime minister’s office.
Local stakeholders charged with creating sporting excellence must accept that aged old policies have not been effective and make obvious decisions. Barbadians are forced to observe the rotation of the same tired talking heads who manage several of our sports associations, many have been ensconced in the positions for decades.
How can we demand world class performances from young citizens who aspire to be world class athletes and excuse mediocre administrators?
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.