BUDDING and seasoned athletes, coaches and other professionals in Guyana’s sporting sector now have access to specialised academic programmes to strengthen their skills, knowledge and career prospects.
The GOAL Sports Scholarship Programme was launched on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), through a collaboration among the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., said the initiative forms part of the government’s wider approach to developing the country’s sporting sector beyond athletes and physical infrastructure.
“What we are doing here today is extremely important, and that’s why I am so excited to support this. When we design something, it’s fit for purpose. So, this initiative here today is focusing not only on the development of sport, but holistic development of sports,” he said.
He added that the country needs all the supporting professions to help us to develop the entire area of sport.
The initiative targets athletes, coaches, sports administrators, physical education teachers, fitness trainers, facility managers and event promoters, as well as people interested in pursuing careers in sports management, marketing, nutrition, journalism, psychology and other related fields.
It also offers certificate and master’s-level studies in several specialised areas, providing opportunities for people at different stages of their sporting and professional careers.
Additionally, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, said education can help athletes prepare for careers and opportunities beyond their time in competitive sport.
“As you know, there is a life after sports. After sports, you have to continue to make more meaningful contribution to our country. So, while we will applaud you for your various successes and your strength on the field, during your sporting career, we want to still applaud you after that,” he said.
He also pointed to opportunities for athletes to become entrepreneurs, including access to financing through the recently launched Development Bank.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, said the scholarship programme complements the government’s investment in sporting facilities by helping to develop the human resources needed to support them.
“Today is a very historical day and it says to every single citizen of this country that sport and education must complement each other.”
He said the courses were deliberately selected to address areas needed for the wider development and management of sport, including strengthening the capacity of sporting associations and federations.
Among the programmes being offered under the GOAL Sports Scholarship Programme are:
- Certificate in Adapted P.E. Instructor for Students with Disabilities
- Certificate in Sports Facilities Management
- Certificate in Bodybuilding Instructor
- Certificate in Sport Agent Course
- Certificate in Nutrition and Dietetics
- MA Sports Marketing and Management
- MA Athletics Coaching
- MA Coaching and Sports Psychology
- MA Physical and Sports Rehabilitation
- MA Sports Journalism
Interested persons have until September 18 to apply for the scholarship programmes.
