There are many opportunities for local youth in sports

By Oswald Savarin

Dear Editor: Mr. Harris’ recent letter to the editor in which he gave an account of his encounter with a young lady who saw little or no value in the practice of sports in Dominica, seems to suggest that the young lady’s experiences in sports while at school were far from desirable.

CLICK HERE TO READ CEDRIC HARRIS’ LETTER.

Her reference to being called “tomboy” and “stupid” by one of her teachers simply because she was athletic shows clearly how ignorance and unprofessional behaviour can sometimes deny children the rich benefits of sports participation.

Thankfully, there are ongoing initiatives in the delivery of sports programmes at our primary schools, which should make experiences such as those suffered by the young lady rare occurrences. I refer here to the Game On Youth Sports Programme and its after school component- the Play On Youth Sports Programme. These are both initiatives of the United States based International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), which are being implemented in Dominica through the Sports Division, in collaboration with the Ministries responsible for Education and Sports.

Simply put, “Game On” is designed to provide children with opportunities to learn basic sports skills and develop the confidence and motivation to participate in sports for all the health-related, social and other reasons stated in Mr. Harris’ letter to the editor. Initial investments by the IAYS in the areas of personnel, training and age appropriate equipment assisted in the implementation of the programme. Government followed up by providing resources for the employment of several Youth Sports Officers to teach sports at the primary schools and for the purchase of additional sports equipment.

To date, these youth sports officers, along with a cadre of regular teachers who have been reassigned, teach sports skills to all classes in most of our primary schools. They are supported with teaching material provided by the IAYS and other resources provided by the Sports Division.

The after school component of “Game On” allows children who are exposed to “Game On” during school, to have this additional opportunity to further enhance their skills during their leisure time by playing in organized league programmes appropriate to their ages. “Play On,” as this after school programme is called, is currently being implemented in Castle Bruce and St. Joseph, where scores of children attend weekly practices in preparation for the inaugural league programme. “Play On” is meant to give all children in the programme equal opportunity to play in a child centred and friendly learning environment.

The IAYS has been supporting the programme with sports equipment, sports uniforms and general guidance for building a strong organizational structure. Organizing committees to manage the programme have been established in both communities.

Notwithstanding the support from the IAYS and Government, there is need for other partners to help strengthen the “Play On” programme and expand it to other parts of the island. Part sponsorships from the private sector and other forms of assistance from interested Dominicans here and overseas would be welcomed.

Mr. Harris may wish to join in the effort to attract contributions to the programme.

– Savarin is the IAYS Game On Supervisor

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3 Comments

  1. Julius Lewis
    April 24, 2010

    Julius S. Lewis (Sprinter)

    Mr. Savarin, to see clearer one must close his eyes at one point – because the eyes that sees can never see itself. What I understand from Mr. Harris is that an earlier and better start is needed in the approach of having qualified sports teachers at the primary level. In today’s’ transcontinental / transoceanic communications maybe you, Mr. Harris, Michael Seaman and other can put together a group to do just that. We have the brain power we only have to empower ourselves to propel others forward.

    P.S. Mr. Savarin, you taught me a couple things and I want to say Thank you!!!

  2. Righteous!
    April 19, 2010

    Nice Piece Mr. Savarin. A program like that is much needed. You should definitely reach out to other promininent Dominican athletes and educators leaving overseas to join and assist with the implementation of the IAYS program.

  3. Anonymous
    April 19, 2010

    honestly mr.harris is rite becuz that play on program dont have athletic includin in it…what mr.harris
    said is all true in dominica..you see if you wanna teach a young child to love athletic they should start from childhood so that can never live them an they will develop very fast so sir wat u a talkin abot really dont have athletic on it so keep dreamin becuz all of all u killin us athletes in dominica..all u dont like us an we all knw tht all u is pretenders

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