Time for a cover up

The talk of an indoor sporting facility for St Vincent and the Grenadines seems no longer to be a topical issue among our sporting administrators and, more so, our policy makers.{{more}}

Loud shouts were made in 2010, and one would have thought that by now, one would have seen some tangible moves towards establishment of such a facility.

Expectations were further heightened as, following on the heels of this pronouncement, this country’s lone NBA player, Adonal Foyle, through his Kerosene Lamp Foundation, made public their intention to establish an indoor facility for Basketball.

In relation to the national proposal, this column does not believe that the plans to erect such a facility at the Old Anglican Annex compound are on the back burner, rather, plans are moving at a snail’s pace.

Neither does this column believe that it was only good music to the ear at that opportune time. We believe it was a sincere proposal to assist those sports which could fully utilize a covered complex.

Hence, the fast forward and refresh buttons need to be pushed with some urgency, as the need for the facility is increasing.

The recent hosting of the 13th edition of the Jean Pierre Caribbean Under-16 Netball Tournament reminded us of the urgent need for a covered facility.

Yes, the tournament was completed on the specified days, but there were some lengthy delays because of rain.

Fortunately for us, in the main, the weather was kind, and did not affect the tournament too adversely.

One, however, cannot for much longer, jeopardize the health and safety of players, especially those at the Under-16 level, in such conditions, having to play as many as six matches within a six-day period, on hard surfaces, as what obtains at the Arnos Vale Netball multiplex.

It was almost unacceptable to see some of the young Vincentian players wearing knee bands, whether it was a precautionary method or a case of nursing an old injury, the need for more cushion under the feet in a fast paced game like Netball was driven home.

Yes, all of the visiting teams are accustomed to hard courts; however, the Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and St Lucia players are exposed in their respective islands to indoor courts.

The absence of an indoor facility also means St Vincent and the Grenadines cannot host some of the regional and international tournaments.

In the case of Volleyball, this country can only stage junior tournaments, as the outdoor hard courts are simply a “no-no” to the regional and international governing bodies for the sport at the higher level.

Stretching the case much further, St Vincent and the Grenadines had no case to present when regional courses are up for the taking, as we cannot fit the bill, as we do not possess a covered arena.

Our neighbour St Lucia is benefitting immensely with the presence of their indoor facility, as the national associations there can readily put their hands up and be counted for training courses, workshops and of course tournaments.

Additionally, our netballers, footballers and volleyballers often find it difficult to make the adjustment to the indoor surface, when they play elsewhere.

It is also widely accepted that all major indoor sports can co-exist, thus easing the burden of the authorities in finding homes for the individual disciplines.

It is therefore high time for us to reignite the debate on the need for an indoor multiplex, as time is slowly, but surely, slipping us by.

Taking a step-by-step approach must be the way to go in light of the current frigid economic climate.

Proceeding with the proposal in a phased approach, instead of embarking on trying to have a completed one in a single spot, may just be the route to take.

Get the basics in first, then add as you go along. This will be enough to appease those here who are yearning for a covered sporting complex.

Keeping pace with the others is paramount, if St Vincent and the Grenadines wants to be competitive with the other regional territories, both on and off the court.