In search of alternatives

It may seem like flogging a dead horse, but the need for the freeing up of more of the sporting facilities here increases with greater urgency everyday.{{more}}

More persons want to get involved in physical activities but are restricted as the offerings in terms of facilities are limited. This has led to fewer persons getting involved in sports. Sports have become wholly recreational activities rather than economic entities where professions can realized.

Sadly there seems to be no concerted effort to address this concern for lack of facilities.

What we are left with is a mad scramble for what is available which in turn leads to overuse and in some cases abuse.

And, Kingstown is a prime example of this, as the Grammar School Ground can hardly catch itself from the relentless pounding it gets. Maintenance of that facility goes on while it is still in use.

The Sharpes, Green Hill, Largo Heights fields are out of commission, while the Victoria Park has assumed greater control.

Kudos must be given to our sportsmen and women who prevail in these trying circumstances.

Two young athletes training for the recent Carifta Games had to make do with the Grammar School and Keartons Playing Fields, yet they returned their personal bests in their events. This surely required mental toughness on their part.

Many of our national sporting associations have no place to call home. Football has become wandering strangers, butting from bow to stern. Through it all, this sport can boast that it has achieved much out of nothing. The same applies to other disciplines.

The sport of Boxing thrives under the canopy of the Bishop’s College, while Swimming has to depend on the benevolence of private individuals and hotel establishments to ensure that the sport is kept alive.

On the other hand, the Tennis Association quietly enjoys exclusivity of the National Tennis Centre at Villa.

Similarly, cricket is facilitated on most of the playing fields across the state, with Squash also in a position of comfort. Table Tennis though can utilise the community centres, school auditoriums and resource centres, so they experience little hassle.

But we cannot throw our hands in the air and give up at this juncture even though the future may look bleak.

Instead of coming up with band-aid approaches to the issue, creativity must be employed. So in the absence of these vital resources we have to be resourceful and find ways to be combative.

Facilities have to be multi faceted as land space is fast becoming a scarce commodity. The conversion of one of the factory shelves can house an indoor facility that can be used for netball, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and boxing.

Then there are the alternative sports which do not require large facilities. We are blessed with untapped fishing resources; hence the promotion of Game Fishing could be a viable alternative as it encourages more of an up market type of tourist.

Dominoes, Chess, Pools, Pedro, All Fours Bridge, Darts and Draughts are sports that can engage a wider cross section of the community.

Persons who are not physically adept can choose these sports that require more brain than

brawn.

These activities will also assist those who struggle with their thinking. Youngsters today are more exposed to technology but I sometimes question if they are wiser. The over reliance on technology has led to many youngsters not fully utilizing their mental capacity. Hence they are not divergent in their thinking when confronted with challenges. Mind games can provide that sort of occasions for people to hone their talents while using their time wisely.

Moreso, maximising one’s time in meaningful activities aids in creating a productive country.

Apart from providing alternative sporting disciplines, these can form part of the social transformation rescue mission package that this nation of ours is in dire need.