Synthetic tracks for Region 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10
GINA, GUYANA, Thursday, December 08, 2016
The development of sports in Guyana remains high on the government’s agenda. Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry today, during the 2017 Budget debate told the National Assembly that synthetic tracks will be laid in Regions 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10. The sum of $210M has been allocated for this development.
Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry addressing the National Assembly in support of Budget 2017
Minister Henry noted that sport is highly regarded by the administration as a tool for human development, and is also a great way to bring diverse communities together.
Minister Henry said that the Ministry of Education through the National Sports Commission will work to strengthen sports related services. The Minister noted that this will be done with the guidance of the National Sports Policy which is expected to be adopted in 2017.
The government will work assiduously to prepare athletes, to not only participate in the 2020 Olympics, but given the requisite support and tools to compete, Minister Henry explained.
“Budget 2017 makes provision for support to our athletes, to benefit from training and development exposure,” Minister Henry stated.
Training and accreditation of coaches will continue in 2017 since no sports plan would be complete without instructors, she said.
Additionally, the ground enhancement programme is allocated $10M to improve sporting infrastructure. This is a significant increase from the $2M previously given to enhance grounds countrywide, Minister Henry pointed out.
Several sport facilities will be upgraded and equipped with Wi-Fi services where events will be streamed and aired via the internet in 2017, the Minister noted. The transformation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is an example of the level of transformation that will take place in all sectors.
Minister Henry said that the government will engage in a bilateral agreement with Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, Germany and other partners to provide training in athletics, rugby, football, swimming and any further sporting discipline.
The government will implement a strategy for clean sports by training and accrediting anti-doping officers which will also educate over 1500 young athletes in anti-doping and clean sports.
In closing, Minister Henry spoke about the hosting of international events that took place at the Alian Pompey International Athletic meet and the accreditation of the Leonora Stadium. The latter will host the first West Demerara fitness & health expo for women and girls in West Demerara sometime in 2017.
By: Neola Damon