Twenty, under 20 footballers who leave the state today to represent Dominica in a regional tournament in Aruba, have been called upon to emulate the deep sense of pride that is evident in world renowned football players.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the remarks at the Football House in Bath Estate earlier this week..
According to the Prime Minister, we in the Caribbean region do not display the same level of national pride that is seen in the Australians or even the Englishmen when they represent their country.
“And I am not saying that as a criticism but with the hope of we paying attention to it,” he said.
“It is noticed in the Caribbean cricketers for example; when they lose you do not see them crying or remorseful for not winning a match,” he noted.
“When you watch the Australians play or the Englishmen play, these guys they play with a sense of pride and determination, because for me and many people it is a source of accomplishment that they have gotten to the point where they can represent their country.”
He also pointed to the recently concluded World cup where he said many “big men” were seen in tears for not winning.
“You see big men cry before the world, they didn’t hide to cry. Why did they cry when they lose? Because of pride. They were playing for their country, and they were not only playing for themselves, they were playing for Brazil, the Republic of France, Costa Rica….The most important thing that you must have in doing anything, whether you are a farmer, a nurse, a priest, a pastor, a coach whatever you may be doing and in your case a footballer is pride.”
The footballers were also encouraged to obey the coaching team even though they disagree on certain things; do not change the game plan that the team has agreed to and have a level of discipline.
I am so proud of Dominica that Demetris is 100 percent Dominican. Footballers do as I say not as I do. If you have the opportunity to get a French passport don’t take it.
he that will have to cry just now
CHANGE IS A MUST
It is time DFA set-up a website for us to know wheat is going on with their activities.
Good luck to the young men and future players of Dominica Team Footbal.
Don’t just look at this trip as another overseas trip , but one as credible competitors any where you all go.
Allow me to piggy back on your comment –
“Don’t just look at this trip as another overseas trip, but one as credible competitors any where you all go”
Great words indeed which should not be limited to Football. How was that Table Tennis team for the Commonwealth Games selected? Why isn’t the #1 girl in Table Tennis in Dominica NOT on that team. That is a credible competitor who is worthy of going to Scotland, who earned the right to go to Scotland. She is #1 in the DTTA 2014 grand Prix (which means she beat the one has won favor to go to the games, and she beat the one who is away studying and would have gone if she were here), she is captain of her 2014 CHAMPION under 16 team, she beat every one at the 2014 TT tournament.
Very Good speech Mr. P.M . wish the young lads well and hope they take your advise seriously.
Its not about nice speeches any one can do that. Where are the programs where are the scholarships for the young men, where is the sports policy after 15 years. Where is the Scholarship for Chelsey Linton. She won Gold and CARIFTA and everyone is just silent and you want tears when we loose. smh
No wonder some folks were left out……..all politics. WE DESTINED TO LOSE! Not when politics takes precedence over ability and sportsmanship
Guys go out and win. Fine encouragement boost. With that boost give each game your all.
It is said, SUCCESS is a simple ABC
A – Ability
B – Break ( or the opportunity to do something)
C – Courage
You have the ability, you have the opportunity so muster all the courage to participate competitively and even WIN.
Well said SC!!! This message of inspiration can applied to any endeavor or pursuit.
Ha, this is so good. The PM making time for everything those days.
How can we be proud of Dominica with u heading it? U think it easy to explain all your bobol.