Sports group aims to identify local talent

(CNS:) The committee of public and private sector members that helped to develop the National Policy and Strategic Plan last year is now working with the sports minister to implement that strategy. The Strategic Sports Advisory Group (SSAG) will be looking at the number of coaches and volunteers needed to facilitate the plan and improve the sports curriculum in local schools.  It also aims to develop criteria to recognize talented athletes and sport ambassadors for transition to national programmes or elite athlete status and education opportunities through sports.

The National Sports Policy and Strategic Plan was developed on the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles. It is expected that this approach to sports development will yield the greatest range of the benefits which sport can bring to the Cayman Islands including sports tourism opportunities, officials said in a release.

Among the other expected benefits of this approach in the medium to long term, is a healthier country with stronger communities, filled with national pride and community spirit.  The group has therefore identified its first step as assisting National Sporting Associations to develop long-term plans for their individual sport based on the LTAD principles.

Committee members include the sports minister, Osbourne Bodden, the ministry’s councellor Alva Suckoo, chief officer from the sports ministry, jennifer ahearn, director of sports Collin Anglin, senior policy advisor for sports Joel Francis, chief officer of the ministry responsible for district administration and tourism Stran Bodden, Clive Baker from education, Bruce Blake from the Cayman Islands Football Association, Cayman rugby’s Derek Haines Andrew Moon from the local sailing club, president of the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee, Donald Mclean Richard Hew from the private sector, Jim Fraser as the parent of an elite athlete, and former national athletes Lee Ramoon and Cydonie Mothersill.

Formore information or to get a copy of the National Sports Policy and Strategic Plan, visit www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky.