PE and Sport – redefining the game

ANTIGUA – The fact that Physical Education and Sport are now being recognized rightfully as an academic course and business respectively – this has opened discussions which are highlighting the lack of understanding of the subject areas.  

I would clearly state here:

·         There is a difference between Physical Education and Sport

·         Physical Education now has for the last 11 years, exams at the highest level from CSEC and has been offered at the CAPE level

·         Sport, through its competition has been known to impact on a society – socially, economically, psychologically, people management

·         Sport Business worldwide is valued at close to a trillion dollars

Based on some recent debates, there may be suggestions that sport is being overused in high schools; is distracting the institutions from their core work; is damaging the reputation of students.

While there are some truths, there are also arguments to support the benefits of being involved in sport at some level, either directly or even as a supporter.

My argument is, the rest of the education system needs to catch so it can efficiently and effectively manage its portfolio, which includes Physical Education. The study of Physical Education is academic, it looks closely of the study of the relationship with mind, body and soul. What about that isn’t academic?

Then Sport is the competitive, strategic and now economic viability of PE aimed at generating wealth, equality and recognition for people and country.

We treat tradition as tradition and think we should not adjust, because that is what it is…tradition. But the non-traditional PE and Sport, having become more user-friendly has used the traditional methods to overtake its competition (pun intended). That process is dynamic, some of us are still stuck in the normal mode and not realizing the potential of equality in the education system where we all can benefit.

Picture this, a school, college, university where the best of the traditional and non-traditional meets…the athletes in any of those institutions are managed by their peers in the traditional line. Where the community stadium is managed by the people there and the earnings are spent there to improve services, accessories and the lives of people. What about this don’t we get?

The Business Model has been presented over and over, but there are ways to capture this. One must first allow themselves to be open to new and innovative ways of doing business, and sport is one such way.

Research has also shown that sport can be used as ‘soft power’ for a nation such as Jamaica which continues to battle with its economic activities. I could make the same justification for music and entertainment.

Education needs to be redefined in Jamaica as part of a community where Parents, Teachers, Community Leaders forge partnerships with the students to build a nation. I challenge the Ministry of Education to create this model for growth for education. Be open to ideas that work and use people who are capable to manage. STEP in the Game!

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Come to Antigua

St John’s, ANTIGUA – When one hears of Antigua and Barbuda, there are a few things that come to mind. Cricket, Carnival and the Casual of the Caribbean. Antigua is that place you visit for the casual hide-a-way and where you get to experience peace and quiet, like no where else. I would hasten to add, only if you are a tourist. 

When you visit an island, it is ALWAYS good to find out the popular spots for food, fun and frolic (liquor) and the rest will flow (pun intended).  

The V.C. Bird International Airport is new and boasts spacious hallways. Coming off an international flight, you have access to a jet bridge, while if you fly the regional LIAT, you may have a short walk to the immigration hall. The process is quick and easy and the bag carousels, all five of them are secure, decorated with visual boards for your advertising pleasure. You tend to stand around long enough for network TV commercial break to get your bags. Once you clear that hall with bags, there is a paid taxi service provided by the state and buses for some of the well-established luxury hotels.

Here are a few places you should try to visit while in Antigua:

1.      Sheer Rocks – a chic and exquisite hang out shared with the Cocobay Resorts. The restaurant and bar, world-ranked, offer a sumptuous tapas menu and one the best made sugarcane mojito. Once you have viewed the sunset from the bar, you will want to go back over and over again 

2.      Beach Limerz – for the most sumptuous and tasty pan-fried snapper, this is the place to be. If you are lucky you may even see a few dolphins lurking around as I have been. The menu carries the delectable mix of the island’s favorites. Live music on a Sunday and Karaoke on a Thursday – two activities you will also enjoy.

3.      Tradewinds – the business hotel of the island perched on top of a hill, far from the maddening crowd. It offers a fine option for residents who may not want to cook on a Sunday. Their efforts at the Jamaican jerked chicken is commendable. The view from the dining room offers a panoramic view of Dickenson Bay.

4.      Café Shattoo – off Old Parham Road serves the coldest Heineken anywhere and, on a Friday, the fried pork with onions (you can ask for garlic bread) is well worth the stop. Seasoned fries are also on the menu and those are a must have. 

5.      These days spa treatments are in and more and more people are taking time off to relax. I would recommend the Blue Waters Spa. The care there is top-class and the ride in the cart over to the spa offers a short tour of the elite resort.

In a 14 miles long by 11 miles wide space, 108 square miles – (Antigua), it is hard not to meet a few good people and there are lots of other things to do around. This is the island where there’s a beach a day. Visit Antigua, when you get a chance!  

#OneLove

Are you a sport fan?

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE – Every time your favorite athlete or team takes the field/court, you prepare by wearing the shirt, shorts, dress, or hang the towel you would have purchased at the last home game or a store to support the next competition.

The outcome of the match or the race could set your mood for the rest of the day and week, dependent on how much of a fan you really are.

There are several factors to determine how much of a fan you really and I will attempt to discuss this in this article. Being a sport fan can draw emotions you would never imagine. When you become a fan, you are emotionally devoted to whomever or whatever you choose to support. So, whether that team, athlete wins or loses, there is always a reaction.

this picture is not mine 

 Here are some of the reasons you become a fan

1.    You played sport

2.    You have a family member who played sport

3.    You have a friend who is an athlete

4.    You have friends who are sport fans and you want to be “in’

5.    You have a spouse who is a fan and you do it to compromise

6.    You believe this is a good way to relax

7.    Tradition – you grew up seeing your family doing it, so why not?

Whether it is those factors, or you have additional reasons, you are now a fan and you have taken unto yourself a team, an athlete and you are ready.

Expectations of a fan

The picture is not mine

1.    You expect your team/athlete to win

2.    You dislike the opponents – especially the ones who always challenge

3.    In this new age, you want pictures, videos, sound bites of your team/athlete

4.    You may even want an opportunity to meet players or athletes you are a fan of

There is more to being a fan and here I will go a little deeper in figuring who a fan really is. He/She is a confident person, one who deems him/her self a cut above the rest. A fan also thinks that team/athlete is the best and would find stats and figures along with argument to suggest same. Some fans move with the player to another city or team. While others collect merchandise and are happy to wear them when a match is on.

What ever type of fan you are, it offers a few opportunities for you to spend time with friends and family.

Here are some reasons people cheer for teams/athletes:

·         Something to scream and shout about

·         It adds a little excitement to life

·         You feel a sense of pride and fulfillment when your team wins

·         It is an opportunity to have friends over with food and drinks

·         For the ladies, it is a chance to be “in” with the men

·         If the team is from your town, city or country – the win/performance brings joy

·         Can serve as motivation for the day/week

·         It is a great topic for a conversation

There are lots of sporting athletes, teams and countries to choose from and cheer for. If you have not yet started to think about it, now is as good a time as ever.

This picture is not mine

For those of us who have been toiling for years, we enjoy the highs and lows, but in the true spirit of sport. We stay in it for the love of it.

#GetInTheGame

BRING BACK JAMAICA SPORT

ON A COUCH SOMEWHERE – Back in 2012 there was a group called Sport Tourism Implementation Committee (STIC) and in 2014, there was Jamaica Sport. What was important, even with the name change, the group was assembled to provide the framework to sustainably develop sports tourism as well as leverage local and international sports events to increase visitor arrivals to the island.

The group was chaired by Chris Dehring with a mix of public and private sector sport officials to include skill sets of content development, planning, marketing, operations, venue development, legal to name a few. The combined years of experience could be compared to any other global sporting body and could possibly outscore given the resources, which were available at the time.

Here is a release from the Ministry of Tourism http://www.mot.gov.jm/news-releases/new-‘jamaica-sport’-entity-launched-develop-sports-tourism-locally

During the tenure, we worked closer with the Jamaica Tourist Board, the agency with responsibility to market Jamaica’s Brand and made considerable leap into hosting events which at the time satisfied steadily, the mandate set:

• Growing sport in communities
• Employing and/or using sport officials to manage events
• Attracting tourists to Jamaica (heads to beds)
• Considerable media attention
• Strengthening and deepening Jamaica’s position in the Sport Tourism market

In 2015, with the limitations we had on the immigration form, the JTB was able to capture this information

The point here is, there was tremendous potential. It was also indicated that Sport Tourists have considerable higher spend per day and will return for a vacation after. Those trends have been reported globally, so we were on to something.

Jamaica’s rich sporting history was not to be put aside, as with the consistent excellent performances at international competitions (Summer and Winter Olympics, World Championships, Major League Soccer,) there was a steady build up of the curious and discerning tourist. What was also trending, if only for a specific time, was film crews from all over who would visit to film documentaries, photo shoots, commercials and to attend CHAMPS.

The Jamaica Tourist Board has the records of the events. While the major sporting disciplines were part of the mix, the team offered some insight on what happens when targeted and network sport like Karate, Beach Volleyball, Surfing and Badminton were supported. See excerpt of a report below:

Since November 2014, an investment of US$258,000 was made toward sporting events including: CONCACAF, Netball, Badminton, Track & Field (JIIM), ITF Tennis, Beach Volley, Cricket (CPL & WI v. AUS), Masters Football, Surfing, Golf, Endurance Running, Regional Swimming, and UANA Water Polo Championships.  This generated over 20,000 room nights (4,000 heads to beds) with an overall economic impact of approximately US$6M.

Fast forward to 2016 when Jamaica Sport was dissolved (without warning), we are still struggling to find a strong hold on how to market Jamaica as sport tourist destination.

As Dalton Myers suggested in this column, “maybe we not really ready” (I paraphrased); maybe we need to stop pretending that there is interest. I can’t help but think this is an opportunity missed (again).  Click here to read http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20180915/dalton-myers-we-are-not-ready-major-sporting-events

An outlook for opportunities could include events related to:

• CHAMPS 2019 – March 26 – 30 – Kingston
• World Championship 2019 (track and field)
• Summer Olympic Games 2020
• FIFA World Cup 2022

And here’s a reminder of why sport tourists visit a destination – to be active on and off the field/court or for nostalgia. Either way, Jamaica offers both. Let’s get this show on the road. #OneLove.

 

ARTISTES ARE REQUIRED TO IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCES ALL THE TIME

This article wishes to compile a list of ideas for artistes who ply their business on stage for a living. Live shows are always a thing. Fans will travel just about anywhere in the world to see their favorite artistes perform. What that means is, they always expect the best.

An artiste therefore needs to understand that to give the best, they must invest their time to “get their act together.”

It starts sitting with the management team, having accepted a show and the following must be done:

1. Have an attorney look over the contract
2. Ensure there is mutual agreement
3. Number of persons to tour as part of the artiste’s party
4. Submit list ahead of time to promoter
5. Confirm air travel with classifications
6. Confirm hotel with classifications
7. Confirm ground transportation
8. From airport
9. From hotel to sound check
10. From hotel to performance
11. From hotel to airport for departure
12. From hotel to a community service stop (if agreed)
13. Decide on wardrobe
14. Decide on media – to include exclusive where appropriate
15. REHEARSE the set based on the market/audience to face
16. Do the sound check
17. Determine length of set without encore (this would have been in agreement)
18. While on stage, ensure there is a stand for: Water; somewhere to hang clothes if the artiste decides to take off clothing; Have a back-up microphone where necessary

There are lots of other little things the Road Manager would have been able to determine based on research and would have discussed with the team. If there is a band involved ensure all band members are able to travel to the location, especially when going overseas. Ensure all visas are acquired before travel.  

Performance must always be top-class

Artistes and athletes have the same type of jobs, they must “show up” on the day. There is no excuse for them. They must be ready once they are listed to perform. Live Shows must be about an experience. Ensure you are ready to deliver on that experience. The artiste must liken himself/herself to a sport star who is expected to win a race, score a goal, or score 40 points a game, or a touchdown. Patrons deserve better. 

Artistes should invest in knowing what their audiences want and deliver when required. Live Shows are the pathway to a fan outside of when they buy your music to hear you via a recording. Real artistes add more to their recordings and leaves a fan wanting more.

Artistes should NEVER short-change their live performance set by thinking they can perform without 1. sound check 2. rehearsal 3. research into what the audience history is – Your portfolio should be diverse enough to make the adjustments necessary.

The next article will look at personal branding, social media and how to use that to enhance their image.

 

Jamaican Entrepreneurs Among Start-ups Chosen For leAD Sports Accelerator

Miami-based Startup Selected for German Sports Accelerator

ORLANDO, Florida: – Miami-based RunLive, Inc. is one of ten startups chosen from over 400 applicants to participate in the 2018 cohort of the leAD Sports Accelerator in Berlin, Germany.

RunLive recently launched a public beta of its running app in the iOS store that differentiates itself by being one of the world’s first gamified social running platforms. Runners across the world can connect and match instantly to compete in real-time, while being rewarded for their triumphs and the miles they cover. The app offers instant motivation and around-the-clock competition powered by patent-pending algorithms, in-run voice chat and audio-guided feedback.

Founded by Mike Thompson, a Jamaican entrepreneur based in Miami, Florida, RunLive has mostly been self-funded with a small friends and family round coordinated by co-founder David Mullings, also a Jamaican entrepreneur. “We were very specific about the kind of accelerator we wanted to apply to and leAD was the best choice based on our target market combined with their strong suite of mentors, coaches and partners” said Mike Thompson, a former Development Operations Engineer, who came up with the idea for the app 2 years ago.

 

“Our goal at leAD is to find ambitious startups that want to change the future of sports. RunLive is a perfect fit for our accelerator program with a great team and a promising product. We look forward to working with them to help them achieve their goals as a company and as founders,” Christoph Sonnen – CEO leAD SportsWhile plenty of other running apps with a social component do exist, most of them focus on mapping your run and tracking statistics but do not offer a way for runners to connect and compete in real-time.

“I was introduced to Mike by a Florida angel investor group to help him scale and was really impressed with his product. I committed to help raise capital and invest but got sucked in by his drive and the product roadmap” said co-founder David Mullings who is also a mentor with the Branson Center of Entrepreneurship Caribbean and Founder Institute Jamaica. 

The duo participated in a round of interviews and then were invited to Berlin to pitch and conduct interviews on Monday, July 16. Now they will accept an investment for 8% of the company with a post-money valuation of €1.25 million and participate in a 12-week program in Berlin that ends with presentations to 16 investors and leAD’s internal fund. RunLive currently has over 1500 users in the public beta and is focused on the user experience before trying to scale bigger. The team was in the middle of fundraising for their seed round and are excited to showcase diversity in tech.

 leAD Sports was founded by Klaus, Horst and Stefan Bente, grandsons of Adi Dassler, the founder of Adidas.

 About RunLive – RunLive app allows users to connect with runners across the world and run together in real-time for the ultimate running experience. Turn your sweat into sweet rewards  when you earn RunCoins by completing challenges, logging runs and winning races. Learn more at ww.runlive.fit

 About lead – Klaus, Horst, and Stefan Bente are the oldest grandchildren of Adi Dassler. Together they founded the leAD Sports Accelerator and Adi Dassler International Family Office to revive their grandfather’s legacy. But they’re not alone. leAD is backed by an exclusive circle of international top investors from different areas that all have a strong foothold in the sports industry. Their objective is to support the visionary innovative strength of young founders with the same enthusiastic team spirit – and far beyond the accelerator program.

 

 

Track and Field – fan change or not?

Between 2002 and 2017, Jamaica’s track and field was on top of the world. The athletes consistently won medals at every major international meet and built and secured a reputation as “world beaters” in the 100, 200, 100 meters hurdles, 400 meters hurdles, 110 meters hurdles, to name a few and later in that 15-year span, field events made their own mark.

In the absence of football being able to consistently perform at the top, Jamaica’s sport reputation and image was largely carried by track and field. Kudos to the other sporting disciplines which were able to send signals that they were also in the game.

Administratively on the international scene, Jamaicans were either appointed or kept their positions in senior and strategic roles in the IOC, Netball, Football, Volleyball, Badminton and Track and Field. Those roles are key in ensuring that Jamaica, as a developing nation, continue to receive capacity building on and off the field of play, while sitting at the table to influence or participate in decision-making at the global level.

The point of this article though is to impress on the JAAA, with just over a year to go for the World Championships in Qatar (September 28 – October 6) and the JOA, with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo; put in place a comprehensive marketing and promotions plan which will serve to, most importantly, win new fans to the sport.

Outside of the die-hards that show up at a meet no matter what, the sport fan is becoming harder to please and what that means is some research and subsequent implementation of a plan could be what turns the support for our track and field athletes in the short to medium terms.

You may ask why research? The simple answer is the governing body would know
• Who is consuming the sport
• What they like about the sport or what they do not like
• What are the things that could change to make the sporting event more favorable to fans?
• Who are the athletes that can help to generate support from fans (more access to the athletes)?

Track and Field is ahead of most sport as internationally, the athletes are winning and that is a plus. That momentum therefore has to be built so by the time we get around to the World Championships, we will all be aware of:

• Who the athletes are
• What events the athletes compete in?
• How we can support their dreams with the support of fans

The individual nature of track and field may pose some challenge, but a meeting with the managers and agents could plant that initial seed and then get the athletes’ buy-in.

#StayInTheGame
#OneLove

Sport and Entertainment Agents

Sport and Entertainment are two of the biggest industries globally. There are several papers and research that will show that those two industries will grow “no matter what” even in an economic recession. There are tons of figures presented by:

·        PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC)

·        International Trade Center

·        Departments of Commerce (in top commercial centers)

 Wanted to offer that background, as with the growth of the sectors, there is room for more experts and so employment will tend to increase.

Today, I want to focus on the role of an agent. The definition of an agent for the purpose of this article is “one who helps to build careers.” The most basic of an agent’s role is to handle athlete/artiste, franchises/professional teams and event promoters where applicable.

Here are some other roles:

·        Setting of goals for the athlete/artiste after sitting down with them for a detailed discussion

·        Part of a team which negotiates endorsement deals

·        Part of a team which handles public image

·        Part of a team that recommends charities and/or foundation

·        Part of a team that looks at options for retirement

That agent therefore is required to know a few things or at least have some basic training. The training can be at undergraduate level in business, law, sport management. The agent should be able to bring something to the table.

I can translate that in a simpler way to explain that an agent should: 

·        Know other influencers in the specific industry

·        Be able to make connections to grow the status of the athlete/artiste

·        Be able to get on lists that are relevant to the development of the athlete/artiste

·        Attend events where networking is available to ensure your client is represented in the best way possible

·        Get in doors, offices, boardrooms that would be otherwise unavailable

The point is, an agent is the direct link between the earnings and how an athlete/artiste is viewed by the public. The athlete/artiste must therefore choose wisely, as essentially, the business of sport and entertainment lies in the agent’s hands. Lots of opportunities for agents and lots of places to learn the business – Get in the Game for those who want to make a go at it and for those already in it – keep relevant by always learning. There are tons of conferences and workshops to attend too numerous to mention.

Here are five professional sporting organizations you should consider for those of you interested in that industry https://www.bestcollegereviews.org/lists/five-professional-organizations-in-sports-management-to-consider-joining/

For entertainment, here are two I would recommend http://www.agents-uk.com/ or http://www.besla.org/

 “Show me the money.”  #OneLove

Self Care – Part 5 – Reading

In this encounter, I will delve into another area which helps you to feel great about yourself. So far I would have encouraged you to eat right, enjoy music, travel for leisure and sport; but this time I want you to explore reading.

There are so many quotes/sayings associated with reading; here are some to chew on:

• We read to know we are not alone 
• Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light –Vera Nazarian
• I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense – Harold Kushner
• Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers – Charles William Eliot

Reading has a way of taking you into a space which can help you to relax when life is throwing serious challenges at you. Reading takes you away, even temporarily, from the reality of what you confront, to a place where you want to be. Reading also gives you the opportunity to consult over and over without any judgment from anyone – it is that gift you can open over and over again.

The good thing is, you can read just about anywhere

• On the train
• On a plane
• At the coffee shop
• In your bed
• On your couch
• In class
• On the beach
• Even in a meeting

Here are some ways you can start the habit of reading

• Research the authors you find readable
• Get their books
• Find books on topics you find interesting – this makes reading easy
• Find books on topics you need to learn more on – this can be hard in the beginning, but you will get there
• Find a source to get the books – online or at a book store
• Also, determine if you prefer books or on your device/s

Reading is a worthwhile hobby, but can tack up costs very quickly, so find ways and means to get books at the most reasonable costs. Join a book club so you can find folks who may want to exchange ideas and even books. A book club is also a way to be encouraged to read more, the interactivity helps.

The impact of reading on your life should be a positive one and I encourage you to read a book at least once a quarter; that is the recommendation if you are just getting into the habit. At the moment, I read a book a month, sometimes two; but then I have been doing this for a long time.

Whatever you decide to do, read a book soon – Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body – Richard Steele.

#ReadABookToday

Self Care – Part 4 – Sport Travel

Following from the last guide which advised you to “go somewhere you’ve never been”, this time I am encouraging you to do some sport travel.

When one thinks of sport travel in this context, there are so many events to choose from. You can start from the gigantic World Cup Football, scheduled to start in Russia in less than a month https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/

Football (Soccer) is the most watched sport in the world and I know some folks would have planned this from as far back as two years ago. Some tips in going to events of this kind:

• Get the schedule of the event, early
• Secure tickets (early) to matches you really want to see
• Ensure you travel in a group of at least four
• Book hotels/homes closest to the venues; you may choose to walk home sometimes, but it is just enough distance to catch a cab if necessary
• On the off-day, try the attractions and the eateries – sample the culture and elegance of the location

The experts in travel would say “this is a way to enjoy Russia, while watching football.”  May the best team win!

Now there are other major sporting global events one can choose from, for example, the Summer Olympic Games, the Winter Olympic Games, World Championships of every kind – Cricket, Track and Field, Volleyball and any other sport you desire.

There are some other bucket list events one may choose from and these are becoming more attractive to the discerning sport tourist than ever before. The television broadcasts with 23 cameras and replays won’t deter these folks from attending events like:

Wimbledon: – At the start of July, tennis fans will descend on London to watch the greatest tennis professionals in the world compete to win the 2018 Wimbledon title. It is how to enjoy London while at Wimbledon, read more details here https://www.roadtrips.com/blog/experience-london-wimbledon/

Tennis at its best

With Tiger Woods making a comeback, golf has again become exciting and since last November in Nassau for the Hero Challenge http://tigerwoods.com/schedule-stats/ he has single-handedly brought back old fans and some new fans to the sport. Tiger’s performances, specifically in Valspar, Arnold Palmer and the Masters were enough for you to want to see him up close and personal. The US Open, June 14 – 17 in New York could be a great time to go see him. Start planning, you still have time.

Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill, Orlando

WINDIES Women are the defending world champions for the Twenty20. This year, at the first ever stand-alone ICC World T20 Championship, the West Indies will play hosts. St Lucia, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda are the three countries designated.

The World comes to the West Indies – November 2018

Plan to be there from November 9 – 24. This Championship features ten of the world’s best women’s teams in cricket. The final schedule will be announced in June because there is a qualifier to select the last qualifier and so, while those fixtures aren’t quite ready, you can start looking around for tickets. It can even be a gift for you or for a friend.

In the meantime, plan for World Track and Field Championship 2019, Doha, Qatar, next September  and the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.

I could go on and on, but I won’t. That said, when you’re on your next sport trip, here’s some advice:

• When you travel in a group, ensure you all stay together, set time limits for departure from hotel to matches and back (first safety tip)
• Stay hydrated – there are always long walks involved
• Leave all the expensive trinkets at home, some item you cherish always gets lost

Sport travel can be fun and exciting, but can also be stressful. Plan!

#OneLove