-at closing of 10th cricket academy
EDUCATION Minister Shaik Baksh yesterday remarked that government is serious about the promotion of sports and physical and aesthetic education, so much so that it is included in the Education Strategic Plan. He made this statement during the closing ceremony of the tenth cricket academy at the Lusignan Community Centre, East Coast Demerara. The two-week programme catered for participants 12-16 years who were drawn mainly from cricket clubs and schools on the East Coast, including at Bladen Hall, President’s College, and Hope, Plaisance, Annandale, Beterverwagting and Golden Grove Secondary schools.
The programme initially started with 49 participants, but by the end of the first week, it had increased to 60. During its duration, several topics were dealt with, including discipline, road safety, social etiquette and grooming, leadership and sportsmanship, food and nutrition, drugs, sports and tobacco, importance of education, and careers in cricket.
Minister Baksh said that it is evident that the programme has done well, and he urged that the children go back to their respective schools and become ambassadors of what they have learnt and be able to influence those around them. He stated that he would also like to see more time devoted to sports and included in the sports curriculum.
The Minister said that, bearing in mind the topics taught, it was a rounded programme, and he commended the East Coast Cricket Board for putting on the initiative.
He indicated that the remedial programme by the ministry is currently engaging 20,000 students from 9-12, which is an improvement.
President of the East Coast Cricket Board and Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board, Bissoondial Singh, told the participants that they should maximise on the benefits of the programme and the only way to do so is by sharing with those who have not had the opportunity to take part. (GINA)