The non-interest of subsequent central administrations in making the Family Islands sports program a top agenda item has been a concern expressed in this space often.
Indeed, on a goodly number of occasions over some four decades, it seemed appropriate to lobby for the islands to be better assisted with sports development. At long last though, there is a good "reason" to believe that the sports development programs in the various Family Islands will be a major focus collectively, of the present government. The "reason" is the presence of Dr. Daniel Johnson as minister of youth, sports and culture.
I was with Minister Johnson and his party of officials recently when he visited Marsh Harbour and Moore's Island in the Abacos. There is a high level of passion in Minister Johnson. He wants to upgrade the sporting facilities in the islands. Certainly, he understands quite well that he has started a process that must be given full attention. The message of his dedication to sports development in the Family Islands has gone out. There is general expectation now in every island community. Outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama, the islands are badly in need of quality sports facilities. The story of how a percentage of Bahamian athletes persevere and succeed against great odds is known worldwide.
My foreign media colleagues marvel always over the high rate of success per capita Bahamian athletes are having. For me, the big question is about how many more elite athletes would be produced if the facilities in the Family Islands were up to par. For instance, you leave Moore's Island where the athletes have just a rough uneven field at their disposal and you visit the sports complex in Marsh Harbour and take note of the outdated asphalt track those athletes in that area have to make use of. They have no choice but to use what's there for them, no matter how deplorable.
I don't consider myself to have ever been an athlete. However, I've been close to our national sports program from my teen years. I worked out at times over the years with the likes of our late legendary hurdler Danny Smith, Leslie Miller, Kevin Johnson and Fritz Grant. I know well about injuries, aches and pains that athletes have to live with even when utilizing proper facilities.
So, when I viewed the dilapidated asphalt track in Marsh Harbour, the plight of the athletes in the Family Islands was re-enforced in my mind. It's just not good at all for the young girls and boys in Marsh Harbour to be in a situation whereby their shins, ankles and knees receive constant battering from the improper running surface.
Asphalt tracks ought to be outlawed. How many young boys and girls of Marsh Harbour became disillusioned because of the soreness of their limbs and joints due to running on the asphalt track? How many of them determined that they didn't want to continue running track as a result? Poor facilities have far-reaching consequences.
So, Minister Johnson, a tall order is in front of you.
o To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.
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