Sports Minister, Justina Charles, has stressed the importance of sports and sporting activities as Dominica recovers from the effects of Hurricane Maria.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, she said chronic non-communicable diseases and their management are plaguing the Ministry of Health.
“And so we recognize that physical activities and engagements in sports where we can burn excess calories, so we wouldn’t have to get too big, so we can control our size and so would allow our body functions to be more effective to prevent the onset of diseases…” she said, adding that after the hurricane Dominicans are consuming a lot of foods that can have an impact on their health.
“Normally they are there,” she said referring the foods that are being eaten after Maria. “But we will consume more of that because our local foods are not readily available and so we expect to see a little move in terms of obesity…”
Charles said people must be encouraged to engage in physical activities.
“But importantly, though, is the psychological impact that sports can have on the well-being of our citizens,” she stated. “Because we know most of us are stressed with the effects of Hurricane Maria and as a result of those sporting activities that have commenced in the school, it will allow the students to engage in something that can help their psychological well-being.”
Meanwhile, Sports Coordinator, Trevor Shillingford, announced a number sporting activities that are being organized and are expected to take place after the hurricane.
Among them is Dominica’s preparation to take part in 2018 Caribbean U-16 Netball Tournament, although the Caribbean Netball Association has not yet decided on a venue for the event.
“However, the Sports Division has selected 24 players to participate in the training exercise,” he stated. “Training sessions are being held at the hardcourt at the Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth.”
He stated that the Secondary School’s Netball Championship is expected to begin on December 15 with the U-16 and U-17 Divisions.
Shillingford said the weekly PE and after school sports at primary schools are expected to begin in the first week of the second term.
A primary school football coaching program will be done early in January with support from the Dominica Football Association and will target schools in the south and the east.
Additionally, a secondary school volleyball championship will start on January 12, 2018 and the National Bank of Dominica Primary School Football Championship will begin on January 25.
Another activity to begin soon is the Massy United Insurance U-20 Secondary School’s Cricket Championship.
Start by repairing the basketball/netball/volleyball courts around the island damaged by Hurricane Maria to allow the DABA and DAVA to hold their leagues. Believe me there are many. Put some money into the leagues as well and let the young men and women have something to look forward to.
In my observation the football/cricket playing surfaces were not as badly affected but I could be wrong. The point is build it and they will come.
Our country is too far behind, I think we trying but we need to change the way we do things as a country.
Does it have to be competitive sports?
At 75 I still get my exercise and psychological well being by walking. An activity that opens the mind to creative thought rather than solely how to beat an opposing team.
The sports division need to drive up to the Carib territory and use them as an example. The people up in the reserve never stopped playing cricket. Some guy from the USA came down and help them with the field and that’s all they needed. Sports division drive up to the Carib territory and take a look. Why you think the cricket in that area is at a higher level than the rest of the island.
Is the higher than the rest of the island?. Who won the Harris paints last year? who won the first division last year? Stats tell the stories
Sports coordinator talks but the impact on children. Wish he could put his words into action. There is so much favoritism and poor management in how the children are coached and managed. I can speak from first hand experience, we have to do better here. We play games with children lives in Dominica based on certain criteria rather than talent.