Amidst the merriment

St Vincent and the Grenadines, like other countries around the world that celebrate Christmas, will be a hive of activity for the next few days, as the merriment of the Yuletide season reaches its zenith.

This period is often characterized by persons throwing caution to the wind, indulging in the excesses of many kinds. As it stands, such cultural happenings hardly escape anyone, as involvement is natural and sometimes irresistible.

It means that our sports people are not exempted, and they too become sucked in the occasion as Christmas and its spin off engagements are part and parcel of Vincentians at this time of year.

But amidst the merriment, the celebrations and the availability of food, drink, partying and other forms of entertainment, poise must at all times kick in.

Unfortunately, sleep and rest are compromised, as persons go hard, burning their candles at both ends.

Hence, the warning sign is being posted, to avoid situations and choices that can be detrimental after the season is over.

Therefore, to our sportsmen and women, young as well as the grown ones, be judicious in your observance of the high-spirited period.

Resisting the temptations should be embedded in their psyche, as they have to think above and beyond the two weeks that envelop that Christmas season.

One may say that it is easier said than done, but any serious person in sports, would acknowledge that their brief actions of misjudgments can have long term consequences.

Here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, at the start of the new calendar, the busy Track and Field season will be ushered in.

One also anticipates that the National Club Championships of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, will be convene at the earliest possible time in 2024.

Similarly, there will be pockets of community Netball competitions, that will lead up to the National Tournament under the aegis of the SVG Netball Association.

Again, the above-mentioned competitions are fore runners to the national selections, hence, peak performances are required as persons jostle for representation.

Yes, the three disciplines identified are all amateur in nature , as are the others practised here, but that responsibility lies essentially with the players.

They are the ones who ultimately will execute their skills, and whose expertise scrutinized.

But although this is the ideal case, hopefully the hierarchy of clubs will be using their chat groups wisely during the Christmas season, to constantly remind, implore and encourage their members to apply common sense approaches to the actions.

Likewise, coaches, trainers, managers, and executive members should use the period to share some love, give a little something here and there, and show to their charges, that they are there for them in and out of season.

Sports and sports administration are a two- way street, as they often demand the best of players, praise them when they excel, and chastise them when they fall short of expectations.

Reciprocally, managements have to reach out to their constituent members and find sometime to have some social activities, thus providing that bond and assurance.

And, what is a better time to do so, as Christmas is a time for giving and sharing, and it is common to hear that it is better to give than to receive.

So, as we go through this period of celebration, commemoration and observance, let that spirit of peace, love and happiness prevail among us .

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all.