Residents of Carriacou have given overwhelming support to the plans for the implementation of the National Policy on Sports and Physical Activity.
A new round of consultation on the policy was recently started by the NDC Government, including a meeting in Carriacou that was addressed by Minister for Sports, Hon. Ron Redhead. Others participating in the consultation included Transitional Lead in the Ministry of Sports, Patrick Simmons; Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs & Local Government, Hon. Tevin Andrews; and Senior Coordinator of Sports Kerlon Peters.
Budgetary allocation, Minister Redhead said, has already been made for the implementation of the sports policy, which will provide a structured framework for sports and physical activity in the tri-island state. He added that Carriacou and Petite Martinique will positively benefit from the sports policy.
The Minister noted that the transformation of sports on Carriacou has already started with the presentation of footballs, new basketball equipment and soon a portal boxing ring.
Some concerns were raised by participants at the consultation, including challenges facing athletes such as lack of support and insufficient exposure to further training.
Among other issues of concern were the mental health of athletes; and the need to expose Carriacou and Petite Martinique athletes to other traditional and nontraditional sports, especially swimming, and constructing a swimming pool for training.
Minister Redhead and Mr. Simmons promised positive changes through collaborative undertakings that will involve the Ministries of Sports, Education and Health.
