Sports for some and not for all

It was dubbed “Sports for All,” however, a more appropriate title would have been Sports for Some, judging by the number of National Federations (NF’s) which took part in Sunday’s activities at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex which was open to everyone.
The activity which was staged by the St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) began with a walk at 8am outside the Castries Market to St Mary’s College. It ended at Ground Zero—The Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. The walk was a warm up to a highly intensive cardio blast workout courtesy of Velda John of Vel’s Fitness Centre in Bois d’Orange.
Those Federations who did not take part in Sunday’s Sports for All, may pay a heavy price for their non participation. In total there are 18 (NF’s) associated with the SLOC, however, on Sunday only the St Lucia Athletics Association, St Lucia Cycling Association, St Lucia Table Tennis Association, St Lucia Football Association and St Lucia Taekwondo Association were presented.
General Secretary of the SLOC, Alfred Emmanuel, who feels this was an opportunity for the federations to promote and showcase their particular discipline, came down heavy on the no-shows at Sports for All.
He said: “I am not at all happy with the member federations which did not see the need to support an activity, especially those federations who are very demanding of the financial resources of the St Lucia Olympic Committee. I think this is one aspect the Olympic Committee will have to review when making its determination, concerning who to assist financially and the level of that financial contribution in the future.”
He didn’t stop there. “We as an organization cannot be putting on activities for members who are properly briefed ahead of time and they don’t see the need to show their face on the day. That is a cause for concern.”
Although the overall participation and turnout for Sports for All was disappointing, those who did attend especially the youngsters thoroughly enjoyed themselves, despite the fact there were scattered showers throughout the day.
What’s next for the SLOC?
Emmanuel said: “We are coming to year’s end and 2012 is an Olympic year for us. We are making plans to ensure that the persons who have already qualified get the necessary support to make a good showing at London, as well as assisting those who are extremely close to meeting the qualifying standards.”
So far high jumpers Levern Spencer and Darvin Edwards along with swimmer Danielle Beaubrun, are the three athletes who have qualified for the upcoming Summer Olympic Games.