SPORTS TOURISM – TOBAGO POLICY NEEDED

By Admin

Monday 20th November, 2017

 

 

THE Capital of Paradise! Clean, green, safe and serene! Those are some of the Tag lines used to market destination Tobago. This 300km2 island with a population of 60,874 according to CSO 2016 is famously known for its beautiful beaches and rain forest. Tobago is visited by thousands of visitors/tourists throughout the year. But can we do more to maximize destination Tobago? I definitely think so! How? Through the wonderful world of Sports tourism. This involves the travel of persons for non-business reasons to participate and or observe sporting activities (Hall, 1992). Sport tourism provides the host country with high media coverage. This coverage will cover not only the sporting event but also provide important information about the country’s cultural and entertainment locations as well as an overall country profile.

According to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (2011) sport tourism has the potential to being powerful tool for development and progress. However, for this to be accomplished to reap the benefits of sports tourism proper planning and management of events have to be undertaken. Recently we saw where a potential sport tourism event was marred by lack of funding from both corporate and government. The annual Tobago Beach Soccer Championship in its eighth year was significantly down-scaled due lack of funding.

Over the years, the event attracted a host of big name international teams and players. This resulted in all eyes being on Tobago through extensive media coverage.  Teams came with an influx of supporters and family members. Hotels, guest houses, car rentals, restaurants, foreign currency and local craftsmen benefited from the event. Similar events in Tobago such as the International Cycling Classic and the Masters football tournament also produce benefits to Tobago. However, not enough support or consideration is given the organizations running these events hence a lack of other such events and the downgrade of those that are ongoing. We no longer host the regional under-17 cricket tournament, the NORCECA Continental Beach Volleyball tournament, the rugby sevens.

Currently there isn’t a sport tourism policy in place to guide organizations. The establishment of such will greatly assist the government in their marketing of destination Tobago. Sport is an international appeal. Some of the most marketable individuals are sportsmen and women. Sports Tourism is the way to go. However, one must first understand its powers before proceeding.

LACK OF MAINTENANCE BADLY AFFECTING TOBAGO’S RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

By Admin – Monday 6th November, 2017

Photo – Overgrown grass at the Paradise Hockey Club home ground in Mt Pleasant.

Recreational facilities are important to the comfort of life in communities around the world. Such is the importance, facility managers are employed to create and run programs. Facilities are maintained by  governments or in some cases the community.  Facilities have a significant impact on the development of children and the happiness of everyone in the neighbourhood. It also reduces crime rates, especially among youth. By giving young people a safe place to interact with one another they keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

However, when it comes to recreational facilities in Tobago a lack of maintenance and identity is hurting us badly. There isn’t a fixed ground for any particular sport. Each sporting discipline has to share the venues. One would think with so much money spent for lights, pavilions and salaries for over 10 persons employed at each of 30 plus recreation grounds, a simple task as mowing or even power-washing on a regular basis. There appears to be no structure in place. The grounds are mainly used for football, cricket, family day activities and cultural events. With a lack of maintenance it’s quite obvious it will cost much more for refurbishment.

With the current unusual increase in rainfall and the overuse of the grounds, extra care and maintaining should have been boosted. Yet many of the venues are left waterlogged (no proper drainage), bumpy (footmarks) and with overgrown grass; making them (venues) unplayable. Even our hard courts are left without care. Lights not working, basketball rings not in place and court area covered with moss.

The use of our recreational parks are free for all. If needed for an event, a simple process of writing a letter to the Division of Sport is all you need. Who ensures proper practices are met? No fee is attached for damages. Many nights lights are left on throughout the night costing the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) a hefty some every month in electricity bill. I am told an average of $10,000 is paid per month for all 20 plus lighted venues. Residents and non residence use the facilities to their leisure and most times leave it in a state of disrepair in which the THA has to bare the cost.

I remember once at Canaan, members of the Canaan/Bon Accord Sports club cancelled cricket training for three days due to a waterlogged outfield. The club informed others not use the ground until the water drained off. A group of “non residents” came for a sweat of football and was told not to use the venue.  To our disbelief, when everyone from the club left, the non residents went ahead and used the ground. As a result, the ground was left in a muddy state. The sun came out in all its glory the following day drying up the foot holes. Picture that! The department of Sport had to get heavy rollers to roll out the dried up footholes as it was a hazard to cricketers.

Parks are being built without toilet facilities and pavilion. This results in additional cost for tents and portable toilets. One understands the need as mentioned before for these recreation grounds, but one expects all the amenities to go with the parks. It’s high time the THA employs district facility managers to run the facilities instead of the lone supervisor of grounds who is stretched thin. communities also need to play their part in not defacing the facilities. Without proper care, the grounds are turning into pastures.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORT VOLUNTEERISM AND ITS BENEFITS

By Admin – Monday 30th October, 2017

Volunteerism is slowly becoming a lost trade as many persons prefer to be paid for their services. Volunteerism in sports is a great way to network and gain valuable experience. Quite often you’ll run into other volunteers who are sports industry professionals and who use volunteering at events for their own networking efforts. You can make invaluable connections, and have something new to put on your resume. It also affords one the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in sports. Across the world, volunteers constitute an important aspect of the human resources capacity of sport and recreation organisations. Volunteers serve in many strategic and operational positions such as managers and coordinators. In the US, volunteerism is worth approximately $40 billion, and in Europe 16 million sport volunteers are valued at approximately €100 billion (Chelladurai and Madella 2006).

According to Chelladurai and Madella (2006) volunteers provide significant non-economic value to sport and recreation organisations in the form of creditability and legitimacy, efficiency and professionalism, board members who set policies and make strategic decisions and grass root workers- teaching, coaching, officiating and organising and implementing sporting events

Sport cannot survive without volunteers. Volunteers make sport happen and create the next generation of sporting stars.  You could be giving back but you’ll also be helping make sport happen, without people like you, sport would not work! Sporting events across the country would struggle to run efficiently without volunteers. Think about the huge success of the London 2012 Games Makers and their counterparts in Rio. These volunteers were all essential to making the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games successful and in Rio this year, the volunteers at the Olympic Games have once again demonstrated how invaluable they are.

The FIFA 2018 World Cup is fast approaching and they are currently looking for volunteers. Interested persons can sign up here http://welcome2018.com/en/volunteers/

Millions of sport volunteers are involved every week in supporting others to participate and compete in sports activities. Sport volunteering also has wider potential to tackle social issues such as crime, social inclusion, and improving health. Many sport organisations recognize their coaches, treasurers and helpers as valuable assets but don’t always see them as ‘volunteers’. Linking sport volunteering with resources by other types of voluntary groups and charities can introduce sport to new ways of working and a wider pool of volunteers.

The strategic promotion of sport volunteerism in Trinidad and Tobago is long overdue. Sport and recreation organisations must provide strong leadership that empowers volunteers through an effective recruitment, retaining and recognizing strategy. Such an approach will underscore an important symbiotic relationship which views volunteers as valuable assets working with progressive leadership to achieve organisational goals.

Do I need qualifications or certain skills to be a volunteer?

Some volunteering opportunities require certain skills such as coaching which may require qualifications but clubs, local authorities and community sport hubs often provide training or will support you to find the right training. Often sport organisations are looking for personal skills, such as being able to get on with a wide variety of people, being reliable and being enthusiastic about the sport or club you’re involved in.

What skills can I expect to gain and develop?

Sport is looking for enthusiastic and confident people just like you to take on a variety of roles.  And sport will give back to you too!  Did you know that being involved in a sports club can give you the same energy boost as having a pay rise?

Skills and qualities you could expect to develop:

• Confidence
• Self esteem
• Speaking to groups
• Presenting
• Managing accounts and budgeting
• Event organisation

Awards and recognition

• Volunteers are the heroes of sport.  Without volunteers, sport would not run the way it does and for that reason you could benefit from a number of award schemes and recognition from your club.
• Of course you should be thanked informally for the time you dedicate but you can also be formally recognised for your commitment and contribution through awards.

References

https://sportscotland.org.uk/volunteer/benefits-of-volunteering/

http://www2.guardian.co.tt/sports/2017-10-23/enhancing-sport-volunteerism

TOBAGO’S FIRST FEMALE BODYBUILDER

By Admin – Monday 23rd October, 2017

When one hears of bodybuilding, the first thing that often comes to mind is big, bulky men. However, the dynamics have since changed with women matching the men in every step. So it was no surprise last Saturday (21st October) at the Kelton Thomas Bodybuilding Classic 2017 that Tobago saw its first ever female bodybuilder, Giselle Lanie Sergeant. Tobago Sport Hub decided to reach out to the soft spoken Giselle with 20 questions on her achievement.

Photo: Tobago’s first female Bodybuilder Giselle Lanie Sergeant strikes a pose with her trophies at the Kelton Thomas Bodybuilding Classic 2017 held last Saturday 21st October  at the Bishop’s High School Auditorium.

 

1. What’s your full name?

GLS: Giselle Lanie Sergeant

2. Age?

GLS: 38

3. Where do you live?

GLS:  I grew up in Bagatelle but now residing in Signal Hill.

4. Was last night your first ever performance?

GLS: Yes! *smiles*

5. How would you say you did?

GLS: I was a bit nervous to start but I think I did pretty well against a veteran (Fiona Banker) in the sport. In the end, I only lost by two points because of the posing category which I had a little hiccup.

6. What were your expectations?

GLS: Really didn’t have any. Told myself I am going out there to have fun and build my self-confidence because I’m more of an introvert. I keep to myself.

7. How long did you train for last night (last Saturday)?

GLS: I had one month of training with Mr Kelton Thomas.

8. Do you have a personal coach? If yes, who?

GLS: No I don’t. I workout at home.

9. Was bodybuilding always a goal of yours?

GLS: No! Mr Thomas went to Marcelle’s Fitness Centre looking for persons to compete in his show and I was recommended by Richard Marcelle.

10. Why bodybuilding?

GLS: It’s not bodybuilding for me. It’s more like working out and sculpting my body to my liking.

11. Where and when did it all start for you? 

GLS: My love for fitness all started 7 years ago when I lost a baby due to stillbirth. I was home overweight and depressed. In an attempt to lose the weight I started working out. Soon, I no longer felt stressed as all my energies were channelled towards working out. Two years ago I started lifting heavier weights.

Photo: Giselle shows off her amazing transformation.

12. How often do you train and where?

GLS: I workout 5 to 6 days a week for an hour at home.  I don’t focus on reps. I just go till I am satisfied or exhausted.

13. Are you a mother?

GLS: Yes! I am a proud mother of 3.

14. Is it a tough job joggling parenting, working and bodybuilding?

GLS: Not really. I get up at 4am and workout until 5am. And sometimes late at nights. I go to the gym every now and then. I have my own barbells and dumbbells at home.

15. Where do you want to go in bodybuilding?

GLS: I just want to continue sculpting my body. I am currently studying online to become a personal trainer.

16. Is there someone you look up to in the sport?

GLS: No. I am my own motivation.

17. What would you say is the secret to a good body?

GLS: Healthy eating and consistent exercise. It goes hand in hand. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t eat something considered unhealthy.

Photo: Giselle is all smiles at the Kelton Thomas Bodybuilding Classic 2017. Kern Perry looks on.

18. What’s a daily meal like for you?

GLS: Fruits, vegetables, green tea (no sugar) and sweet potatoes. No sugary drinks. I drink lots of water and smoothies. Maybe some brown rice. I also have chicken either grilled or steamed. Fish is also an option.

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Photo: Slideshow of Giselle’s meal choices.

19. What advice would you give to other females wanting to get into bodybuilding? 

GLS: Forget the haters. I’ve been told I look like a man. Men without muscles should be called females then?! Why are women with a few muscles stigmatized? Society shouldn’t dictate how you want to look. Lifting doesn’t make you bulky. You can sculpt how you want to be sculpted.

20. What’s next for Giselle?

GLS: I am looking at the Juniors next year in June. It’s a competition for persons now getting into bodybuilding.

EDUCATION IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT SPORTS

By Admin – Sunday 15th October, 2017

In today’s society where unhealthy eating is prevalent, physical activity/sports is crucial to the longevity of ones life. However, a vast majority of people aren’t finding the time to, for the least, a five minute workout, or some just don’t care to. Children of the seventies weren’t exposed to the number of gyms and fitness groups as we do today but somehow they lived a long healthy life. Was it the food? Or was it that indoor activity was non-existent? It is a well-known fact that children of the seventies were penalized for too much outdoor play. Today, children are penalized by being asked to get out the house. The growing popularity of computer, video games and television makes the children of today very inactive in their lifestyles.

The time spent on these things can be spent doing some physical activities.  Sports and physical activity is an afterthought for most in today’s society.  It is the last resort for most but often times it’s a little too late. I am sure we all would have heard of stories of a sudden death of a young person and asked how? The importance of sports in the life of a young student is invaluable and goes much further than the basic answer that “it keeps kids off the streets.” It does in fact keep kids off the streets, but it also instils lessons that are essential in the life of a student athlete.

Where else can a young, impressionable youth learn values like discipline, responsibility, self-confidence, sacrifice, and accountability? Hence sports education is very much essential for today’s youthful generation. Running, walking and talking throughout the day make the children physically active. In our schools today, especially primary, students have the option of participating in sports when I think it should be mandatory. Parents are more focused on academics. Sports infrastructure in villages are being developed everywhere to have great value in life of people.

Here are a few other great benefits to participation in team sports:

1. Builds confidence.When playing a sport, children have the opportunity to show their skills, gain greater self-awareness, and enjoy an activity that they love the most.
2. Provides consistent exercise.Most kids have too much screen time and not enough hands-on activity. Team sports commits your child to regular exercise, which helps boost immunity and contributes to overall physical health.
3. Develops relationships. Children build friendships with other children and their coaches, which is a great way for your child to expand their social skills and understand expectations.
4. Contributes to stronger academics. Children who play team sports are more apt to stronger academic achievement. Through sports, kids learn the importance of time management and discipline.
5. Helps put winning into perspective. This can be a real sore subject for some kids. Participating in team sports gives kids the opportunity to gain an understanding of both winning and losing, as well as to recognize the value of every teammates’ abilities in contributing toward a shared goal.
6. Teaches respect. In team sports, children learn to respect other authoritative figures, such as coaches, referees and umpires, as well as their peers.
7. Encourages family involvement. Your child is not the only one who will benefit from participation in team sports. Moms, dads and siblings can practice plays, attend games and cheer each other on, providing a bonding opportunity for the whole family. Head on over to my blog to check out some tips on how to stay organized on game days.

Crystal VanTassel is a Play Ambassador for Let’s Play. 

Check out this youtube link for additional information on the importance of sports. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmFQqjMF_f0

 

References

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/read/187850/

http://www.letsplay.com/get-inspired/why-play-important/7-benefits-team-sports#.WeN6W2hSzIU

 

DWIGHT YORKE STADIUM DYING A SLOW DEATH.…….shocking photos shows stadium’s deplorable state

Saturday 7th October, 2017

BACOLET, Tobago – Once touted to be the best kept stadium in the country, the Dwight Yorke Stadium (DYS) is now considered a white elephant crippled by a lack of maintenance.

Dwight Yorke Stadium photo by Kerry Walcott

A lack of maintenance has led to the implementation of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) restrictions and it being closed to the public. Recently, photos have surfaced showing the deplorable state of the 7,500 capacity stadium. The photos showed a tale of gross negligence in all corners of the stadium.

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From stained and broken bathrooms to rusted equipment and railings. The lights are inadequate and scoreboard out of commission. Plymouth-born Para-athlete Akeem Stewart complained recently about the lack of proper facilities at the DYS.

Akeem Stewart

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith identified the refurbishment of the DYS as one of the major areas which the Ministry will focus on in the next fiscal year. “You would have seen in the budget that we got some money for the Dwight Yorke Stadium…we (are) going full speed ahead with regards to working with the Tobago House of Assembly to get the Dwight Yorke Stadium back up to the level that it supposed to be,” Smith said. “That is the problem those stadia were built so long ago and nobody has been maintaining it. I am a big fan of Akeem and we are working with him. We will meet with him this week to ensure that he is comfortable and he could continue his training because he is a son of the soil.”

Back in 2015 following a tour by the Sports Minister Darryl Smith, it was announced that a sum of $80 million was needed to complete repair works at DYS. Smith noted that one of the problems of the past was the maintenance of sporting and other facilities across the country. He assured that this will stop under the present Government, as maintaining stadiums and other facilities will be top priority. While he expressed disappointment at the state of disrepair at a number of stadia, the minister revealed a software package is to be installed at all stadiums in the country which will determine when necessary repairs are needed.

Darryl Smith, second from left, chairman of the Sport Company Michael Phillip, third from left, and other officials visited the Dwight Yorke Stadium.

In 2010, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) under then Secretary of Sport, Huey Cadette pumped $10 million into the relaying of the track with the understanding that central government would maintain the rapidly deteriorating infrastructure.

To put things into perspective, the DYS was one of four stadia built to facilitate the hosting of the under-17 Boys World Cup in 2001. All stadia fall under the remit of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago. Effectively, the Central Government is in charge of maintenance, and the control of the stadium. However, given that the DYS is in Tobago, its situation, I submit, is different, and warrants intervention by the Tobago House of Assembly. Should the PNM run THA lobby the PNM run central government for ownership of the stadium? Without a doubt…Yes!  My understanding is that the stadia were built under a Build Own Lease Transfer (BOLT) arrangement. This gave the contracting foreign firm ownership over a period of time which has since elapsed and the government is now fully in charge.

The athletic season is once again approaching – no use of the stadium. The football season is in full swing – no use of the stadium. Yet our counterparts in Trinidad are exposed to the best the country has to offer where facilities are concerned.

Over the course of its closure it was “temporarily” used to host a Legends football tournament. The Falcon Games only returned this year after many years in Trinidad due to the unavailability of the stadium. Zenith relays was also affected by the closure. The DYS is critical to Tobago’s sport development, and might I add, sport tourism. Can you imagine the spin-off from international events held at the stadium? Set to benefit will be hoteliers, taxi drivers, restaurants and many more indirect returns.  The stadium was used to host the 2005 Carifta Track and Field Championships and the 2010 FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup.

The Tobago Football Association (TFA) is in need of funds which can be attained in some way from gate receipts at the stadium. Earlier this year, a national women’s training session was cancelled due to an unprepared playing area at the Training ground. The country has hosted several world cup qualifier matches but not one held in Tobago. A match was even played at the Ato Boldon stadium which has the same capacity as the DYS. Tobagonians had to dish out funds for airfare, ground transport, accommodation and ticket to watch the qualifiers in Trinidad.

In the same breath, a brand new sporting facility is being constructed in Diego Martin.

 Yet “side by side we stand!” Where’s the equality? Tobago athletes have been disadvantaged for far too long. Yet still they produce on the world stage. Imagine what can happen with a simple thing as a stadium being fully operational. The Dwight Yorke Stadium shares the same goal as the Ministry of Sport which believes that “the individual is at the heart of our ambition… if we all show commitment, through participation and personal endeavour, we’ll help Trinidad and Tobago become the best it can be.”

 

 

 

 

 

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