Tweet
These are excellent proposals. It's my hope that these plans actually get off the ground soon, and that when they do they don't become a reality in the painfully slow manner as the national anti-doping legislation and the football academy have both done!
Sports focus
Gov't ponders int'l centre of excellenceTuesday, August 26, 2008
The sporting exploits of Jamaican athletes at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China last week has prompted the Government to explore the possibility of establishing a Centre of International Sporting Excellence in the island.
The proposal came during yesterday's meeting at Jamaica House in Kingston of the Olympic Homecoming Planning Committee established to design events to honour Jamaica's Olympics team which won a record 11 medals at the Games, among them six gold, three silver and two bronze.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding (3rd left) meeting yesterday with members of the Olympic Homecoming Planning Committee at Jamaica House. Members of the committee are drawn from the Opposition People's National Party, Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association, the Sports Development Foundation, private sector, Social Development Commission and other government agencies. The meeting outlined a general programme of activities to honour the Jamaican Olympic team. (Photo: JIS)
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who said the Government intended to "look at the long-term development programmes for the sportsmen and women who have accomplished so much for the country", explained that the centre would serve to identify and professionally train upcoming talents in all areas of sports.
The Observer was, however, told that details such as cost, location and design have not yet been finalised as the matter was at the initial stage and is to be researched further upon the instruction of the prime minister.
In the meantime, Golding said while immediate rewards were being considered for the athletes and their coaches, the Government wanted to look at long-term development plans and benefits such as health insurance; a medical centre that would address the medical needs for all areas of sporting activity; benefits for retired athletes; financial advice and management, especially for athletes whose financial status has changed based on their achievements at the games.
A proposal was made for the establishment of a special bank account through which organisations and individuals can make contributions to the development of some of the proposed programmes. Plans are also afoot for the reintroduction of a "well-rounded physical education programme in schools, starting at the primary level". This is to be developed in consultation with the education ministry.
The athletes, most of whom are expected to return to the island after participation in other competitive sporting events throughout Europe at the end of September, will be feted over four days with grand galas planned for Kingston and Trelawny, community and school visits, motorcades, a major reception in Kingston and a thanksgiving church service.
Sports focus
Gov't ponders int'l centre of excellenceTuesday, August 26, 2008
The sporting exploits of Jamaican athletes at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China last week has prompted the Government to explore the possibility of establishing a Centre of International Sporting Excellence in the island.
The proposal came during yesterday's meeting at Jamaica House in Kingston of the Olympic Homecoming Planning Committee established to design events to honour Jamaica's Olympics team which won a record 11 medals at the Games, among them six gold, three silver and two bronze.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding (3rd left) meeting yesterday with members of the Olympic Homecoming Planning Committee at Jamaica House. Members of the committee are drawn from the Opposition People's National Party, Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association, the Sports Development Foundation, private sector, Social Development Commission and other government agencies. The meeting outlined a general programme of activities to honour the Jamaican Olympic team. (Photo: JIS)
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who said the Government intended to "look at the long-term development programmes for the sportsmen and women who have accomplished so much for the country", explained that the centre would serve to identify and professionally train upcoming talents in all areas of sports.
The Observer was, however, told that details such as cost, location and design have not yet been finalised as the matter was at the initial stage and is to be researched further upon the instruction of the prime minister.
In the meantime, Golding said while immediate rewards were being considered for the athletes and their coaches, the Government wanted to look at long-term development plans and benefits such as health insurance; a medical centre that would address the medical needs for all areas of sporting activity; benefits for retired athletes; financial advice and management, especially for athletes whose financial status has changed based on their achievements at the games.
A proposal was made for the establishment of a special bank account through which organisations and individuals can make contributions to the development of some of the proposed programmes. Plans are also afoot for the reintroduction of a "well-rounded physical education programme in schools, starting at the primary level". This is to be developed in consultation with the education ministry.
The athletes, most of whom are expected to return to the island after participation in other competitive sporting events throughout Europe at the end of September, will be feted over four days with grand galas planned for Kingston and Trelawny, community and school visits, motorcades, a major reception in Kingston and a thanksgiving church service.
Comment