IN keeping with a promise made during his campaign, Head of State, President Dr Irfaan Ali, announced yesterday, during a press conference, that the PPP/C Government will be building multipurpose sport facilities in Regions 2, 6 and 10.

President Ali said the move comes as his administration looks to “continue to continue to support the growth and development of our young people and our sport men and women and finding new talent, while supporting every region of our country.”

According to President Ali, who dabbled in the sport of cricket, “these are some of the investment measures and policies that we will pursue in this emergency budget and in January, to bring relief, to create opportunities and to improve the welfare and wellbeing of all the people of our country.”

The President was not available to give further details as it relates to how much will be allocated towards the facilities, or if there has been any studies done within the specific regions to ascertain where the facilities will be constructed.

In their manifesto, which will guide government’s Policy, the PPP/C Government also said they will provide a special fund for upgrading of sports and cultural facilities, as well as building Sport Academies in all regions.

Plans, according to the manifesto, will be in place to provide incentive packages for businesses that provide sponsorships or employment opportunities for sports persons.

The Government also intends to upgrade the South Dakota Circuit, the country’s lone motor racing track, to international standards.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, has reiterated that under President Ali, sports will not be left behind and the country’s sportsmen and women can rest easy knowing that they now have an administration that will cater to their needs.(Rawle Toney)