True big timers

It seems that many persons here have perfected their timing, as they save their presence, their input, their praise or criticisms for only the big occasions in Sports.

At the local events, scarcely anyone turns up or is aware they are taking place. But the opposite occurs at the regional and more so international matches.{{more}}

On the big stage, when teams come in, everyone knows about the sport; they readily “know” the local players and instantly become experts, dishing out advice.

At the Caribbean Zone Football Final of the Under-20 Competition, played here in January, the VIP area of the Victoria Park was swollen with those with the complimentary passes, many I have not seen attending a Football match at the domestic level.

One VIP attendee admitted to never attending a local Football match, but was highly critical of the young footballers’ output. Sadly, too, some local Football authorities lost their bearings and were at times scornful of their own.

But, these same officials then turn around and expect the support of the grass roots people when the chips are down. The big times are also occasions for officials of the respective associations to revel in authority, flex their muscles, exercise protocol and make known to the public that they are part of a national organisation.

And, it goes right to the top. How often have you ever seen many of our top government sports officials just show up at a village competition or an ordinary national league match?

That is an absolute no-no, as there is no television camera or radio commentary for them to spout the usual rhetoric.

Their disdain of local competitions extends to even the provisions of facilities. Local competitions are often second class rated, with the bare minimal provisions at times. At almost every local match, seemingly very little effort is put into having the players get accustomed to the conditions and requirements they will encounter at international stage.

At the domestic cricket set up for example, there are no efforts made to get an update of the score as the scoreboards have become a thing of the past. Similarly, things like the boundary ropes, albeit with an attached cost to their use, are not afforded the players.

Likewise, the players’ efforts often go unnoticed, as not many persons view the matches. Except for the usual faces, who become the real authorities on local selection, the venues are virtually empty.

Yet at the regional matches and One Day International stages, many take seats in the President’s Suite and cock up their feet, drink and eat the finest on the offering. As it is, no one wants to put in the hard work and give our sportsmen and women the encouragement when it matters most.

A simple visitation at the community or at the wider national competitions means a lot to these players in telling them that they are appreciated.

At the secondary schools Basketball finals played Sunday, May 24, and Friday, June 5, at the New Montrose Basketball Facility, there were few students there to give moral support to their fellow students. And, one expected better as the schools’ hierarchy should have ensured representation.

This shows that even at the schools’ level, much attention is not paid to sports, except to participate in the Ministry’s organised competitions.

A far cry from my days at school, when reaching the final of a competition meant a great deal to the entire staff and student body. In fact, sports was high priority all round.

Feature Speaker at the 2008 National Sports Awards held on April 18, 2009, Justice Adrian Saunders, referred to the way our sportsmen and women are treated when they record major accomplishments.

Saunders said: “At times like these, everyone wants to in the build-up, the preparation for their competitions. Those who are employed need time-off in order to train. Those who are unemployed need a job so that they can live decently and eat nutritiously and not have to wonder where the next meal is coming from. They need the best coaching they can get. they need good, honest, hardworking administrators and they need proper facilities.”

And, he is spot on correct. Instead, when they do not do well, we pass our mouths on them. It is time that greater priority is given to the local competitions, with the players reciprocating with their performance and attitude.

No reciprocity, but ridicule is in store for the continued presence of the “Mound” at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

email kingroache@yahoo.com