EXEMPLIFYING BACKWARD DEVELOPMENT !
Some time ago, the Ministry responsible for Sport removed the word "Development" from its new title. For several years we have been trying to build up the participation of schools from the outer islands in our annual National Inter-Secondary Schools' Championships. (KISSAC) The most teams we had was 15. With six lanes we know we can accommodate 18, so that has been the target. In recent years, there has been growing interest, partly sparked by our visits to the outer islands for OBAS courses, in the outer islands Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in taking part, mainly in the Junior division. Last year (as you can read elsewhere), two outer islands JSS were ready to come and compete. Three weeks before the Championships, the Ministry stopped them. Is that "Development" ?
WHAT ABOUT THIS YEAR ?
At the first official Meeting of the Organising Committee for this year's competition, held yesterday, we heard that the Ministry was maintaining the same ban. How can this improve standards at the grass roots ? How does this support our OBAS campaign ?
THERE IS SOME GOOD NEWS !
At the same organising meeting, a number of decisions were made, e.g. about keeping the same programme and the same events (with the possible inclusion of Medley Relays for the Open age-group). This was opposed by some members as it constitutes too much of a strain on the senior athletes on Day 2 of the competition (Finals Day). No decision was reached. Entry Fees, Opening and Closing, draft programme with anticipated timings, some responsibilities, registration and entry methods, qualifying from Heats, and some provisions of equipment were also discussed. Another Meeting in 12 days time will discuss other points, e.g. starting heights, use of blocks.
Last Modified on 25/05/2007 17:08