The head of the most influential sports organization in The Bahamas is calling on the government to re-visit the prioritizing of those areas that drive the nation forward. In particular, he wants the sports industry to be acknowledged as one of the prime positive elements in the country.
"The sports industry is here with awesome potential. It is very real and it would be just great for the government to give it special attention. I feel the sports industry should be right there along with education, health and tourism. There is so much that we can do to propel our sports image. We are highly regarded around the world for our success in sports, but the knowledge that we could do so much more, kind of dilutes the enthusiasm a bit. A much bigger budget, comparable to the contribution sports make to the 'positive' image of our country is certainly in order," said Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) President Wellington Miller recently during an exclusive interview about his reflections with his first four-year term in office closing out.
He laments the inability for federations to properly canvas all of the Family Islands for the sports talents hidden in those communities. He is saddened that on many occasions because of the lack of proper facilities in the country, opportunities to host regional and international events and a multitude of training camps, are lost every year.
"It is getting to be so very expensive for sports organizations to keep up with their peers around the world, most of whom are nicely subsidized. For instance, they fall short on funding all the time in trying to send teams away to get the kind of experience that enable them to better compete. We don't really have strong programs for the Family Islands. Federations are just unable to find the finances to get into every little island corner to weed out the raw
talents, nurture them and heighten the success level of The Bahamas.
"The lack of proper facilities makes for another big concern. We miss out all the time on getting tournaments and camps because we lack the facilities that those wanting to come, need and deserve. Just very recently as an example, Canada wanted to send a team of 30 boxers plus officials here for a training camp. Well, we just do not have any boxing facility that can accommodate them. This is a shame and I felt badly having to acknowledge that fact, but there it is. Now, you know how much more each federation could do in that area, if there was the kind of funding allocated to us from the national budget? I can tell you that it would make a big difference, an awesome change for the better," said Miller.
Miller makes an excellent argument. It is exciting and refreshing that he has decided to come forward and speak to the needs within the sporting landscape of The Bahamas, even if it means ruffling the feathers of those who make up the political directorate.
Be sure to stay connected to Sports Scope as this series of reflections by BOC President Wellington Miller continues. To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at fredericksturrup@gmail.com

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