That missing link

Finance, inadequate facilities, the lack of technical support, absence of a meaningful national sports policy and the political will to make sports among the top priority areas for development are among the several issues which have been highlighted as the debilitating factors which have affected sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

Whilst those listed are undeniable truths, and can be deemed reversible with all things being equal, that missing link, “commitment”, must be addressed, otherwise we would ever be lamenting the under- achievements in sports all round.

Often overlooked and sometimes slighted, this lack of commitment has imprinted on the active sportsmen and women and trickled down, or up, to the administrators as well.

Not a new occurrence, but with the growing competition, especially in technological advancements, that fervour, hunger and love for sports, is gradually evaporating.

We seem not to be self-driven anymore; almost absent is that intrinsic motivation, that willingness to achieve and outdo oneself in whatever sporting endeavour one chooses.

This reality has struck the local cricket scene, as some disinterest has taken over, even at the premier division level.

Some of the most senior teams are fielding either the bare 11 players, or in some instances, eight, nine or sometimes 10.

However, in the case of the long-standing premier division outfit – Spartans, their existence in the top flight of local cricket may be a thing of the past, as they have forfeited one match and defaulted the other.

Similarly, in the just concluded National Fo-otball Club Champions-hips, many of the teams faded in numbers, showing up for matches as the tournament wore on.

Likewise, there is that drop-off in participation in national track and field championships, mini meets and the likes, and even at the popular inter-secondary schools meet, some athletes are reported to have qualified for finals, only to show up at the venue and not compete.

More so, even at the primary level, some schools’ principals chose not to budge, even to enter teams in some of the competitions in which their students can participate.

Therefore, not all blame rest on the players themselves, as on the administrative end, they too are guilty of not showing such needed dedication, which those whom they represent can feed from.

It is unfortunate that such happenings are unfolding, as there are several local instances where that commitment to the cause of sports has proven fruitful.

The longevity of distance runner Pamenos Ballantyne, in sticking with the sport and being still competitive regionally, is a manifestation to his devotion to what he loves.

His stay with athletics, even as his age advances, is contrary to others who have come and gone with the wind.

Likewise, the selfless appetite to help, especially young footballers get by, is a trait of the indefatigable Ian Sardine. His administrative zeal has led System Three to be the force it is on the local football landscape.

These are just two who have exemplified commitment to training and service for the betterment of sports and human development in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Unfortunately, in the same breath, the truth must be told that several persons, who have the will and skill to give of their expertise and time, are forced out from doing so because of harsh criticisms meted out to them, as it is sometimes advanced “they are around too long”.

Needless to say that not every person possesses that strength of character to brush off such adverse comments; hence, they opt out of the fray.

Whatever the case, there still lies the need for a rekindling of commitment to sports from all stakeholders.

The buck stops with not one entity, but like a rope, each strand must be bound and wound to make the processes stronger.

“Where there is a will, there is a way” should be the new belief, the new mantra, which can assist immensely in helping to make that turnabout in sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines.