PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that Government will create a training programme where national athletes will be employed as coaches and mentors for the schools.

The President announced, during a recent interview, that the plan is to create employment for athletes and also boost sports in schools.
“We want them [national athletes] to work in the school system so they can help our young people to be more attracted to sports…”

According to the President, “Sport is the lowest hanging fruit in the story of transformation because once you can actively involve persons in sports, automatically, you are dealing with many societal issues.”

“It is these what people call the softer aspects of development that I think are hardcore aspects of development… and you will see even more investments coming in sports because it has that potential of transitioning negative energy into positive energy”, President Ali further elaborated.

From the fundamentals of sport, Ali is optimistic it can promote nation-building by bringing people together and building community spirit.

Ali noted that the investment allows young people to realise their dreams by knowing they will have the necessary facilities to enhance their skills.

“We want to send persons to train overseas to enhance their skills, and also, there are numerous universities doing talent spotting as our athletes are emerging into the market, and that is because of the investments we are making.”

Noting that the hinterland has enormous potential, President Ali further alluded to the investment in every region “to give our children across the country an opportunity to be part of the revolution in sport.”

In 2023, the government invested $4.3 billion into the sector compared to $2.2 billion in 2022. Out of such, $250 million was budgeted to continue improving community grounds nationwide.

Access to Equipment
Questioned on what lies ahead for sport, the President indicated the government aims to make sport equipment more accessible, whether from a tax perspective or incentives.

“You can see us making it [equipment] more affordable and accessible, and you may very well see adjustments in taxes in relation to that.”