Breaking away from tradition

St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), over the years has stuck the traditional sporting disciplines. As such, we have become locked into those activities that we have grown into or met.

Hence, Cricket, Football, Track and Field and Netball, were the main disciplines. Then, the likes of Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Boxing, Cycling, Karate and Basketball took root.

Even the likes of Rounders, Draughts, Dominoes and Pedro, occupied many Vincentians’ interests for a prolonged period and held pride of place while their popularity reigned.

Not to forget Bodybuilding, Weightlifting, Taekwondo, Swimming, Squash, Chess, Rugby, Rowing, Gymnastics, Road Tennis, Archery and Sailing, not necessarily in that order, joining the fray.
When all is lumped, the sporting population of the country has had a wider range of activities to choose from.

An analysis of the above – mentioned disciplines, would reveal that most have enjoyed some level of acclamation, national spotlight and snippets of relative success.

In addition, there have been some advancements, whereby St Vincent and the Grenadines has had representation at regional, sub- regional, continental or global outings.

But have we ever stopped to think that in most cases we are stuck in a vice of redundancy and in some instances, the reverse gear remains locked.

Furthermore, a human and financial resources audit would show that we are not best suited to engage fully and effectively in some of these disciplines.

This, as it is not always what greets the eyes that is the true reflection and reality of the given circumstances.

Hence, while there may be press releases of the various competitions; community or at the local levels, not all are glitzy, glamorous and developmental.

Therefore, with that being established, the time is ripe for some detours to be made and an introduction to even more sporting activities, thus, adding to the present lot on our current inventory.

And, there is evidence and data to suggest why we should explore alternatives.

For example, St Vincent and the Grenadines is experiencing a severe drop off in Cricket. Reason of course, is that our regional team- the West Indies is not doing well on the international stage, in none of the three formats: Test, One Day Internationals and T/20.

Likewise, St Vincent and the Grenadines is not holding its own as before in Football as was the case in the late 1970s and 1980s; neither are we powerhouses in regional Netball.

Unfortunately, there seems no light at the end of the proverbial tunnel anytime soon, with these perennial downturns.

It will not hurt us to provide that outlet for the many youngsters we see on the streets of our country, pedalling their BMX bicycles.

The numbers are growing and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union should piggy back on the emerging trend to push for the promised BMX track.

Surely, the unprecedented number of BMX cyclists augurs well for Cycling; notwithstanding the positive health and social gains accrued from the youths’ involvement.

It should also be a good idea to introduce pinballs to St Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as a renewed charge to have Darts reintroduced as a sport here.

Similarly, it will not harm us to get Rifling, given the incidence of gun violence that is pervading our country.

One may argue that the holders of illegal firearms do so as a means of protection and as a status symbol, but one cannot rule out the few who may just want to try something new, such as Rifling.

There are other options that we can pursue, such as Obstacle Course and Rock Climbing.

Apart from providing our locals with more options, these new sporting endeavours are pull factors that can aid our Tourism product.

St Vincent and the Grenadines needs an injection of different sporting challenges that undoubtedly will profile us and broaden the national perspective and psyche.

Sports is dynamic, and having more viable sporting options will complement those that we have and strengthen those that are flagging.

It must be noteworthy that this column is simply suggesting breaking away from the tradition, and not necessarily doing away with some altogether.