Young wants to see more done for youth in sports

Vincentian WNBA basketballer Sophia Young wants those in administration to do more to develop sports here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Young made the point when she met with the local media last Wednesday morning at Olympic House.{{more}}

Making reference to her home town of Layou, Young said: “I see a lot of kids idle, so they need to find ways for kids to participate in sports, and sports can keep them out of trouble,” she advised.

Pointing to her break in the sport of Basketball, Young said, “I was blessed with a great opportunity to go out of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be involved in sports.”

But she advised that one does not necessarily have to leave here to achieve what they want in sports.

“People need to be educated about sports and if we have more volunteers to make the difference in people’s life,” Young said.

Young was hopeful that she could do some convincing in this field, when she was scheduled to meet top government officials yesterday, Thursday.

Young, who turned 25 last Monday, is on vacation, and will head to Europe to ply her trade, most likely to Turkey, to play with Galatassaray, a team that she helped to second spot in the 2007 to 2008 season.

Young, who plays with the San Antonio Silver Stars, in the US, was quick to point out that her achievements thus far have not been easy.

“It is a lot of hard work and the grace of God,” Young admitted.

“Basketball is not easy. It is tough,” as she sent out a warning for those aspiring to follow her footsteps and those of other sports.

“It is not a piece of cake; it is not just that you get up, run a few laps and think you are going to make it,” Young, who has three years experience in the WNBA, said.

She recalled having to get up at six in the morning on a regular basis to train and improve at her game, but said it was a prerequisite in order to get to the next level.

And, she was also modest about her progress.

“I do not know much about Basketball. I have to learn more, try to develop more,” Young contended.

“As an athlete you want to be the best you want to be; I am an athlete and I like always to win,” she further stated.

One who projected that she will retire from the sport when she is 30 years old, Young is contemplating a Master’s Degree in Child Psychology.

Young in 2006 became the second Vincentian to play in the WNBA. She followed the trailblazer Sancho Lyttle, who made her debut one year earlier for the Houston Comets.

Young was the fourth draft pick. Before joining the professional ranks, Young played for four years with Baylor University in the NCAA championships. She helped Baylor to lift their first title basketball title in 2005.

She was venerated by Baylor earlier this year, when her No. 33 was retired in honour of her contribution to the College.

Here at home, Young is delighted that she has been an inspiration to others, and wants to continue doing so.

While here, Young, apart from resting and reuniting with family and friends, will be giving back some of her earnings, buying and donating gift baskets to some fifty senior citizens.

And in an effort to ensure that others follow her progress, Young has her own website, SophiaYoung33.com. (RT)