MINISTER within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, The Hon Nicolette Henry met with various sports associations and federations yesterday at the National Racquet Centre in Woolford Avenue.

This interaction was well attended by the various groups, all of whom had an opportunity to share their achievements and challenges.
On the agenda for yesterday’s meeting was the National Sports Policy and the creation of a sports database. Some of the concerns shared by the Sports Administrators were based on the integration of sports into the school system, education of the athletes and the acquisition of sporting gear.
In her remarks, Minister Henry noted that she is happy that the database is being considered. In this regard, she advised that there be a central database that meets the specific needs of the sporting bodies and that the format proposed is one that is used by other countries with a similar demographic and economic status.
The minister called on the associations and federations to start submitting their information to the NSC.
With regard to the integration of sports into the education system, Minister Henry posited that sports and education cannot be separate tools for human development
. The minister recalled a meeting with the new Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland QC, during which they discussed the opportunities for such integration.
With regards to the Sports Policy, Minister Henry noted that it must be measurable and achievable. Additionally, the international community has indicated its interest in giving support. The Minister emphasized that she is looking forward to the contributions and feedback from the sports associations and federations in the policy.
The Director of the National Sports Commission, Christopher Jones, in his remarks announced that the NSC has approached the E-Governance Unit for their assistance with the development of the database. He noted that the NSC hopes that the database will be online by August 2016.
The database will serve as a mechanism that allows young athletes to view the performance statistics and history of past athletes, and at the same time enable the NSC to keep track of the athletes’ performance records.
The Associations and Federations were asked to submit information on their executive members, parent bodies, contact information, constitutions, profiles on their athletes, and lists of coaches and officials.
With regard to the purchasing of gear, Jones indicated that the NSC has issued a list of items to the sporting associations for them to indicate the gear they require. Based on the feedback information compiled, the NSC will be more informed of the requirements needed.
He also disclosed that a new format is being used for the Community Grounds Enhancement programme. It is anticipated that at the end of this initiative, community grounds will have expanded facilities that can accommodate a range of sports disciplines. Additionally, the associations would be able to use these facilities to promote and grow their respective sports disciplines.
In cases where the parent bodies of the associations have expressed interest in providing funding for the construction of facilities, Jones requested that the NSC be informed, so that assistance can be given for the acquisition of land.
Jones also highlighted the need to have insurance for the athletes and the promotion of events.