Attempts are being made to review the criterion used for selection of the National Sports Awards, which returned this year after a two-year absence, covering performances in 2021 and 2022.
According to information emanating from the National Sports Commission, which is responsible for the Awards, a review exercise will be conducted shortly to analyse the overall criterion used for selection.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle stated that the assessment procedure will be undertaken by a high calibre panel, comprising media experts and operatives, as well as experienced sports administrators and aficionados.
The group will be meeting next week to commence the process, which will be thorough to ensure any inadequacies are remedied.
Notably, the current model has been used for decades.
According to Ninvalle, “The panel, which is of the highest competence, and is littered with media experts and sports enthusiasts, will be meeting next week to analyse the entirety of the selection criteria and will make recommendations, if shortcomings are identified, for possible amendments. The objective is to ensure that the selection process is not only transparent but can stand up to the highest level of scrutiny and examination on the local and international scene. The importance of the selection criteria must be reflected. That narrative must never be called into question.”
“Ultimately, this assessment process is about possibly enhancing and amending the rules that are employed for selection, if deficiencies are recognised. Some areas for analysis have already been earmarked by the panel, and discourse will occur on the way forward if amendments are required. There is no point in waiting until next year to undertake the procedure, which can be reinforced now ahead of the next awards ceremony. This exercise will encompass the entirety of the National Sports Award selection platform”, Ninvalle further explained.
Meanwhile, Ninvalle explained that Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., who applauded the work undertaken by the panel during the 2022 National Sports Awards, has disclosed that the impending edition will be completely overhauled and upgraded to reflect his vision of a gala and red carpet affair.
Minister Ramson Jr. stated that this is another step in the right direction to underpin the emerging importance of sport under his ministry, which was also highlighted by its historic allocation in the 2023 Budget by the Government of Guyana.
