Students and schools in Dominica who exhibited excellent abilities in sports for the past year 2012/2013 gathered at the public service training centre last Saturday, where they were duly awarded by the Ministry of Education at its 21st Annual Schools’ Sports Award Ceremony.
Honorable Justina Charles, Minister for sports, revealed that throughout the year her ministry, via the Sports Division, implemented several training programs in schools across the island.
She stated that this ceremony was to award those who took advantage of these opportunities.
“We all know that people love to be recognized for their achievements, and our students are no exception.”
She addressed the students saying, “This ceremony serves as motivation for you students to continue to excel and to promote even greater participation by other students.”
The theme for the ceremony was ‘Sports Participation Leads to Limitless Prospects.’
Hon. Charles described this theme as very fitting in today’s society.
“In today’s world, opportunities created through sports are endless,” she said.
The Minister expounded on a few of the benefits which sports participation brings about, not only on an individual level but nationwide.
She explained, “Sports and active physical engagements are effective tools for promoting wellness [and] preventing onset and managing the spread of chronic non-communicable diseases - diseases that cost the state exorbitant amounts of money to manage.”
She also highlighted some of the travel opportunities gained by the sports men and women who represent the country regionally and internationally.
She noted that,”Some of our young sports achievers have travelled to various countries to represent [Dominica] at various sport meets. This weekend, some of our young outstanding cricketers will travel to Barbados and Jamaica to participate in the game of cricket.”
Featured speaker Irving “Tosh” Williams, in his address focused on the physical, social and moral benefits of active participation in sports.
He stated that based on research, students involved in sports are usually more academically competent.
According to Williams, “Data provided in an American college of sports medicine article indicated that student athletes generally do better at school.” He said that the article associated increased physical activity with having “Positive effects on concentration, memory, and classroom behaviour.”
While the possibility of foul practice may never cease to exist due to excess drive, determination, stress and pressure, Williams admitted that these positive aspects of sports far surpasses negative behaviours.
“I am sure that you have heard of doping and bribery and match fixing in sports. Some coaches and sports men and women will do anything to win,” he informed the audience, “however, these risks or negatives will not cancel out the positives that can and do occur in sports."
Students of primary schools, secondary schools and the Dominica state college received awards for outstanding performances in football, netball, volleyball, cricket, athletics, basketball and table tennis.