The new sports strategy will ensure that more youths are encouraged to take part in the development of sports in their district

A new strategic plan emphasising sports development at district level will be initiated soon as part of a revised sports policy, the Ministry of Local Government, Sports and Culture announced Tuesday November 11.

The new policy was revealed by Minister Sylvette Pool while answering questions in the National Assembly.

Minister Pool referenced the new policy in response to a question put forth by Honourable Terence Mondon, the MNA for Takamaka, who wanted to know of the ministry's plans to develop the leadership capability of local coaches, especially those providing training at the district level.

The ministry's new sports strategy, Minister Pool said, would ensure that more youths are encouraged to take part in the development of sports in their district and that all the current sports infrastructure, like playing fields, are used to the maximum.

Besides mobilising youths to participate in sports activities, the policy also makes provisions for a new coach training programme – the National Coaches Accreditation Programme – for the benefit of coaches and all those providing support to sports training in the districts.

Minister Pool said the programme would also develop the coaches' competency and leadership skills, elevating their standards to the level of national coaches.

Minister Pool said the revision of the current sports policy started three years ago.

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