THE London Olympics has gone. Much has been said – speculation, opinions, views and thoughts.
However, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has no intention of wasting time with idle talk. Instead, it will walk the walk.
As a matter of fact, the Director of Sport Neil Kumar has, over the past three weeks, held serious discussions and formal meetings with the executives of National Sports Associations including Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, Guyana Amateur Swimming Association and the Athletics Association of Guyana.
It is the intention to also have monthly meetings with the associations. It must be noted too, that the Guyana Boxing Board of Control which was headed by its president Peter Abdool was invited to and he attended one of the meetings held with the GABA to specifically address the issue of amateur boxers turning professionals.
The meetings agreed that the associations will prepare and submit to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport comprehensive plans and programmes entitled ‘From Now to Brazil’.
The principal purpose of this initiative is to direct our attention and endeavours towards the achievement of not merely commendable, but spectacular performances at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Dismal performances must now be relegated to our history.
Strategies were discussed and decisions made, including:
Maximum utilisation of available facilities; Areas of development at the facilities to be activated e.g. extension of bleachers, improving lighting system, establishing of fitness gym and swim bench training at the National Aquatic Centre.
Converting the floor at Sixhead Lewis Gym to wood and redesigning it for more comfort.
Specific attention to be paid to athletes living in the interior of Guyana, identifying athletes living in the interior who have potentials to become top class and arranging for them to relocate to Georgetown, paying special attention to their education and welfare and immediately identifying athletes and coaches for specialised training.
Associations will, as a priority, participate in regional and international meets during the preparations for 2016 Olympic – Goodwill Games, CARIFTA, ALBA, South American Championships, PAN-AM, Commonwealth Games, CISC, CAS, South America U23, CAC, World Games, Junior Carifta, World Juniors, World Seniors and other competitions with international recognition.
There must be proper and adequate encampment for athletes, equipment to be readily available and arrangements for qualified local and high level foreign coaches and officials to be involved in preparation of athletes.
With cohesion, proper planning, commitment, dedication, coordination and the will and passion for success, Guyana, at the 2016 Olympic Games, will definitely match strides with the rest of the Caribbean and the world.
There is unlimited talent in Guyana. We must identify, nurture and develop these athletes for Guyana’s success in the future. This will materialise only if the National sports associations, the Government of Guyana and possibly a functioning and interested GOA can unite to nurture and guide our precious young athletes.
United we stand. Divided we fall.
The Government of Guyana will continue to push forward with its mandate to effectively play its role in the development of sports and sportsmen and sportswomen in Guyana.
Guyana’s Road to 2016 Olympic Games has begun
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