EDITORIAL: More support needed for local athletes

THE greatest sporting spectacle on Earth is in full swing. The past week has been an exciting mix-match of events, with the world’s best athletes pushing the limits for the ultimate prize. Despite some negative stories surrounding the Games, there is still something purely awe-inspiring about the Olympics. Witnessing tears of joy, disappointment or disbelief makes it the best reality entertainment imaginable, especially when one sees home-grown athletes providing inspiration to an impressionable audience. Given Barbados’ tremendous talent and potential, we would do well to plan for the future, perhaps with the public playing a greater role than before.

 

A snapshot of social media comments at the weekend showed Barbadians were overwhelmed with joy by Akela Jones’ fantastic performance in the Women’s Heptathlon. Though she placed 20th in a field of 30-odd, more seasoned campaigners, at one stage Jones was third in the standings, and by the penultimate event was sixth. Her achievement is extremely impressive and Barbadians cheered her on at every step of the way. Jones competes on Thursday in the Women’s High Jump and her countrymen will be just as excited. We wish her the best, in addition to the other local and Caribbean athletes yet to compete.

 

There is much to be said for the power of imagery. Thousands of children are on vacation and are able to experience the Olympics via television and social media. Given that most local athletes at the Games also competed at the National Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships (NAPSAC) and the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships (BSSAC), it provides a visual for children to see a potential future if they embark on an athletic career. When one factors in the unstoppable Usain Bolt, who to date has made history by retaining his 100 metres crown in a third successive Olympics; young South African Wayde van Niekerk, who smashed Michael Johnson’s 400 metres record; and Michael Phelps’ jaw-dropping achievement of the most decorated Olympian of all time, among others, it is impossible to deny how motivational these athletes are for youngsters who may be interested in a sporting career. Ironically, in Phelps’ case, he was beaten by one young man he had inspired – Joseph Schooling, a 21-year-old Singaporean who won the Men’s 100m Butterfly.  

 

We know Barbadians will always support their own. Perhaps now is the time to make our assistance felt in a more tangible way. Athletes require funding to compete at the highest levels. We must be realistic; this cannot be financed fully by the State. In addition, not everyone can afford it or has access to private sponsorship. This is where the Diaspora, Corporate Barbados and locals can play their part. We imagine this can be done by way of establishing a charitable organisation, with donations that are tax deductible, to which anyone can contribute whatever they can towards the training costs of our young powerhouses. In that way, the most deserving athletes can get the help when they really need it, and not after they have medalled.

 

Our young people are talented and aspire to be the best they can be. They need an investment of time, attention, nurturing and support to see their dreams realised. Where sporting endeavours are concerned, and particularly with the financial challenges associated with making it, we believe Barbadians are ready to invest in them in a meaningful way.