Government working on national plan for athletics- President Ali

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday met with a number of national athletes at the Office of the President, where he assured them that his Government is working on a national plan for athletics.

The plan includes employing qualified officials such as coaches, doctors and nutrition specialists.

Focus is also on building infrastructure across the country and implementing other initiatives that will help the athletes realise their full potential.

“I believe we have enough talent in the country that we can make a big impact on the regional and international stage,” Dr. Ali said.

The Head-of-State reminded the athletes of the various infrastructural projects for sport development currently underway, including the development of a synthetic track in Linden that is expected to be completed soon.

During the meeting, the President also opened the floor for discussions and suggestions.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., the Director of Presidential Affairs Marcia Nadir-Sharma and Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle also attended the meeting.

Emphasis on sport

The Ali-led government has been placing emphasis on the development on sport, with Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh in January announcing the largest-ever allocation of G$4.3 billion during the presentation of the 2023 Budget.

In 2022, $2.2 billion was budgeted for sport.

According to Dr. Singh, provision has been set aside for the establishment of a National Cricket Academy, while the construction of the state-of-the-art stadium at Palmyra, Berbice, is also slated for this year.

Additionally, funds have been available for the construction of multipurpose sporting facilities in the hinterland; rehabilitation works at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall; construction of stands and grass mounds in Regions Two and Six; extension of the Squash court at the National Racquet Centre, and the procurement of sports gear.

Further, the sum of $250 million has been budgeted for the continued improvement of community grounds across the country.