Good publcity but….

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is enjoying some much needed sporting publicity.

The recent attendance of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School at the prestigious Penn Relays in the United States of America late last month and the current visit of the Liverpool Football Academy are worth more than gold.{{more}}

Such publicity could go a long way in promoting sports here, and more so St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The two are historic in nature, as it was St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ maiden trip to the Penn Relays, with massive participation and extensive coverage by the US media.

This can never be slighted as the spin off can be tremendous, as just by participating will certainly cause those who may have never heard of the 150 square mile multi island state to realise that such a paradise exists.

The sojourn by the Thomas Saunders athletes also opens oppotunities for others to strive to emulate as well as heighten the awareness of what is required in terms of preparation for an event of such magnitude.

No doubt, the response by Vincentians in Philidelphia and New York further shows how much those in the diaspora are in touch with their fellowmen.

But the presence of a famed club like Liverpool here will have similar effect.

Such opportunities do not come very often, and when they do, we should grasp with both hands.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not a major Football nation. Therefore, it is a plus for all of us for such an occasion.

Although in my estimation the historic Liverpool visit was slighted by those who are in charge of Football nationally at the offices located at Bentick Square.

They failed to jump in the ring and make the best of what was in the offing.

The publicity of yesterday’s match at the Arnos Vale Playing Field involving the Liverpool Under-18 team and our own Under-20 outfit left much to be desired.

But, all is well that may end well and there will be some tricle down effects.

One such benefit is the establishment of linkages of all kinds, surely with St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the chief beneficiary.

It is also good pubilicity for the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Whilst not blessed with the best facilities, certainly, other English clubs can use this country as a venue for its pre-season preparations.

And, the best advertisement is definitely those who have had the experience, and hopefully the Liverpool players had such an excellent time that they would wish to share with others.

The two major events which put this country in the spotlight both bring into sharp focus the relevance of sports as a contributor to national development.

Those responsible for the two subliminal publicity campaigns of St. Vincent and the Grenadines just have to continue their efforts, thus, causing the powers that be to truly make sports the hub of development.

Additionally, making a reality the promises of the National Stadium, the Indoor Multi Complex, and other facilities.

Making the best of the little we have can take us as far as the capabilities and the expertise, so the choice is for all who love sports to change the mindset and the corresponding output.

No good publicity, though, for the continued presence of the Mound at the Sion Hill Playing Field.