Over the past decades, our country has experienced a mix of success and failures in sports. Unfortunately, we haven’t always learned from our lessons, which is disheartening. However, when we have had positive experiences, they give us a glimpse of what is possible. Sport is a human right and contributes to the holistic development of individuals, a reality we often overlook. It’s regrettable that educators sometimes clash with sports enthusiasts due to the misconception that sports hinder academic growth. History reveals how certain groups were pushed into sports and music based on racist beliefs. Despite these challenges, many once colonized peoples have showcased their talent and intelligence through sports, art, drama, and music.
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, cricket has been deeply ingrained due to its colonial past, symbolizing the pleasure of the colonizers and reinforcing the inferior status of the people. While some countries still struggle with this legacy, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is gradually emerging from the shadows. The history of our society reflects a persistent struggle for freedom through sports, despite the broader society’s struggle to define itself. Many of us find ourselves torn between being Naipaul’s “mimic men” and Lamming’s “castle of my skin.” The reality may be that we resemble Fanon’s concept of “the wretched of the earth” on which we live.
There are inspiring stories of Vincentian athletes who have pursued education and career opportunities through sports. Wendell Hercules, Lenford ‘Poui’ O’Garro, Jacqueline Ross, Eversley Linley, Orde Ballantyne, Carl Ollivierre, Sonia Israel, Garth Saunders, Nickie Peters, Adonal Foyle, Eswort Coombs, Natasha Mayers, Kineke Alexander, Shafiqua Maloney, and Handal Roban are some notable examples. These individuals have achieved success in various fields while utilizing their athletic abilities. It’s time to abandon the belief that sports lead to a loss of instructional time and a dead end in life. Our education system should embrace the evolving trends in sports and offer more open and creative delivery to our students.
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