As part of Government’s initiative to involve Amerindian youths in sporting activities, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport has pledged to provide them with the same opportunities as other youths.

The Ministry will be paying special attention to training youths from hinterland communities in various sporting activities, including football, volleyball and basketball.

Additionally, communities which requested sporting gear and support from the Ministry will be assisted.  

To boost Region Nine annual sports event, the Ministry is expected to offer its full support to the community by providing sporting gears and training.

This is in response to a call from Hidebrand James, Toshao of Aishalton, who related the need for sports training and equipment. Moreover, the Toshao requested the rules of softball cricket for his village which will be made available through the Ministry’s Sports Resource Centre.

A coach will be made available for the Region to provide guidance in various disciplines but the Ministry is looking at ways to work in clusters with youths of Aishalton and surrounding communities.

The Ministry recently opened the doors to its Sports Resource Center which is available to the general public.

The Ministry is seeking to expand its resources so as to include a number of other interior communities, and has so far assigned a youth officer to the Region, Shabir Ally, who is actively involved with youths in the Upper Mazarunni, Region Seven area.

Last month the region held two youth camps which attracted the participation of about 70 students from a number of surrounding villages.

Residents of Riverview, Region Seven, are expected to have a playground which is projected to be built by the Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

A plot of land has been identified for the recreational park and the Local Government Ministry is expected to assess its condition and the cost for construction.

The Ministry promises to work with youths in Region and will be assisting the community with sporting equipment and training.

Currently, there is a Sports Committee established within the Ministry which visits communities and provides them with sports gear. (GINA)