Sports Leaders Need To Drive Fund-Raising Initiatives

God has certainly blessed this country abundantly. There is no argument at all that per capita the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is the mightiest little nation in the world. This is all due primarily to the dedication of sports leaders, the many sacrifices they have endured to get the best out of certain athletes; and also the first class training in foreign institutions.

So yes, our governments could have done much more, but to a great extent some of our sports leaders have not stepped up the plate either. Our individual sporting programmes have been marketed poorly. There has been this great expectation for regular hand-outs from the government.

Ironically as the sports landscape has expanded, it would appear that the totally dedicated sports leaders of the past have been replaced by those who complain a lot but make very little effort to drive fund-raising initiatives.

It is timely that the 2008 World 5.5 Metre Regatta is going on presently. It's being hosted by the Nassau Yacht Club under the jurisdiction of the Bahamas Sailing Association. Sure, the regatta Organizing Committee was the recipient of two cheques from the Government of The Bahamas. The Minister of State for Youth and Sports and the Minister of State for Tourism both handed over funds to assist.

But, they were never expected to provide funding to cover the entire event. No, the good people of international sailing always ensure that all holes are covered. There are those would say that "Oh, the international sailing folks are rich and have the money."

Well, I say to that, think about the cost alone for one craft. It's well into the thousands of dollars. The international sailors find a way, because they love what they are doing. They have been making a significant contribution to image building in this country for generations.

They are proactive.

The point being made here is that while the Government of The Bahamas certainly has its responsibility to propel all positive aspects of this country, our sports leaders need to begin embarking upon comprehensive marketing programmes that will springboard the generating of necessary funds, rather than sit back and wait on the government.

Then, when the government does not respond or takes rather long to respond, there is an outcry.

The view held here is that there is a Minister of State for Sports in place now who is trying mightily to balance the playing field. He needs all of the sports leaders to work with him however. He needs them to think first of amassing their own funds then, go to the government for grants.

You see, the grants will always be there.

Don't depend only on the grants.

Sadly, some sports leaders look to the government for everything.

Generally the sports thinking throughout the country needs to be adjusted. The view expressed in this column today does not mean at all that the Minister of State for Youth and Sports and his civil service top echelon can relax.

This is no time for relaxation.

Much needs to be done to maximize the sporting potential of this country.

Don't leave it all on the government however.

That's the main point, I make.