Sports activities to be given impetus

GINA, GUYANA, Wednesday, September 14, 2016

A number of major sport developments are slated to be rolled out early next year through the National Sports Policy. The policy outlines various aspects to foster growth of sports locally.

The policy is in its consultative stage and is expected to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2017.

“We are planning national consultations because we need to have all stakeholders involved in the process of planning, and that is something we anticipate will be done beginning the last quarter of 2016,” Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Once rolled out, the policy will be used to guide the direction of sports in Guyana for the next five years. This would include capacity building for sports associations and federations.

Government is also looking to have a direct focus on individual development of Guyana’s elite athletes. Minister Henry stated that the policy will, “be looking at anti-doping, ensuring that we do have the policies in place for that.”

Medical expenses for athletes representing Guyana have over the years been burdensome. The Minister explained that government recognises the challenge, adding that the National Sports Policy will contain a guiding principle which speaks to a health insurance policy for athletes. “There is also a plan to look at health insurance particularly for our athletes to cover medical care expenses,” the Minister said.

Sports development also calls for adequate infrastructure that will provide athletes with support needed which will allow them to be competitive at the international level.  In July 2016, Director of Sports, Christopher Jones had revealed that a $440M proposal has been made for the remodelling of the National Gymnasium. The remodelled structure would see modern courts being built for various sports disciplines.