Bring them all on

Any time any effort is used in a programme to promote and engender community bonding must all be clutched with both hands.Facing up with the realities of our Vincentian society, over time there has been a continuous rupture and abrasion in social cohesion among people.{{more}}

Whilst the same can be said of others in our immediate geographic region, one has to endeavour to lessen the impact of such happening.

Therefore, the recent anti-crime sports campaign undertaken by two government agencies here, is just one of many needed to assist in community bonding.

That programme’s focus on family attempts to stall one of the major issues plaguing us, that is the weakening of that societal pillar.

Importantly too, communities have themselves restart the process of reclaiming their identity and repute through a holistic approach towards rebuilding of the decaying values system.

It is an undeniable fact that sports help to build communities through social inclusion and a sense of connection. Sports and recreation help to bind families through shared experiences and shared achievements.

Sports can provide us with that much needed positive image of the nation to the international community.

Studies on specific cases have shown that sports, especially football, can positively contribute to strengthening national pride and forming a unified national identity.

Too, through participation, sports help address anti-social behaviour and can support education.

There is always that joy and sense of belonging, whenever a member of a community achieves in sports or when a community-based unit excels.

The radiance of the feats is seen and felt among the persons who are quick to associate themselves with the rewarding performances.

It is no gainsaying then what sports and recreation can do to human existence and fortification of that social being.

Then, why then do those who make and shape national policies stick and back away from really and definitively giving sports the priority status it deserves?

What then is the hold up in putting sports and recreation in the limelight in pursuit of national mobilization and social transformation?

The facts, the figures, the experiences are there glaring, yet the blinkers are firmly fixed on the eyes of those who hold the buttons to give the positive signals.

There are many stories which have emerged locally where sports have played a critical role in turning lives around, and on the contrary, where a lack of involvement resulted in deviance.

So, whilst we dilly-dally, the vital organs of our society are bleeding profusely.

We prefer to chase programmes of reform rather than help prevent the scourges from taking root.

Our country will spend less on the provision of sporting facilities than trying to rehabilitate persons who run afoul of the law and are incarcerated.

A simple case in point and one cue, the value of sports was underlined in the normally volatile Jamaica.

Whether coincidental or not, the records show that last weekend, during the hosting of Boys and Girls Champs – that island’s most popular track and field event, there was not a single murder reported.

It is noted that whenever the Summer Olympics are in progress, and with the prowess of the Jamaican athletes, there is always a drop in criminal activities carried out in that part of the Caribbean.

Sports is the way to go to help arrest things here on the home front.

There is no limit on sports and recreation, in terms of the spread of involvement and reach.

But whilst all the sports and cultural efforts at reform are employed, one critical component that must also be in train, is the vital spiritual constituent.

Hence, in all our deliberations, search for answers to the mounting issues of all kind, unless such an element is enforced, every other thing will be meaningless.

Are we willing to add that ingredient to the national menu?