More targeted approach to PE – Wilson

Spanish Town – GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, Maurice Wilson wants a more targeted focus on Physical Education. 

In noting the many positive benefits. Wilson summarized by saying, ”these involve the development of speed coordination, agility, balance, and other biomotor abilities; while the development of lifelong relationships through group and individual sports, learning fair play, how to win and lose are some of the others.” 

Wilson, who is also Technical Director for Jamaica’s Track and Field program to the Olympics, thinks the introduction of the sixth form curriculum for Physical Education has helped the society, in general, to have a better appreciation of the subject. 

It was in 2014, that PE was among five subjects added to the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams (CAPE). The other four subjects were agriculture science, performing arts, entrepreneurship and tourism.

According to Wilson, some of the new practices in the field include the introduction of adapted PE for disabled students, the use of more fancy and attractive gear, a wider variety of footwear apparel and students being able to participate in covered stadiums for competition and training. 

Wilson went to suggest that there needs to be an adjustment to how schools approach assignment of the teachers. “ At the primary schools at least four PE teachers are needed, two for lower grades and two upper. For upper schools at least 6 are needed,” he noted. 

He wants the Ministry of Education (under which the subject falls) to treat the subject like any other Arts, Math and/or Science subjects with the appropriate support, not just in the schools, but also at the regional level. The Ministry, based on its website, has one Education Officer listed for the subject. 

About Maurice Wilson 

In addition to being Principal of the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sports, he has represented Jamaica’s national track and field team at the Olympics and World Championships as a coach, head coach and technical director.

The coach of five individual medalists at the World Junior Championships, head coach of Holmwood Technical High School, winner of nine consecutive Girls National Champions. Coach of 13 Penn Relay Championship of America winning teams. Level 5-Certified IAAF coach in Sprint and Hurdles. Author of Sprinting the Jamaican Way.

In 2017, Maurice Wilson was honored by the government of Jamaica with the Order of Distinction for Wilson’s contribution to sports in Jamaica, in particular track and field. Mr. Wilson also supports and participates in many local charity events and causes. Maurice also does Sports Analysis work on nationally televised Track & Field events.

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Strengthening Jamaica’s Sport Industry

Last time we spoke I had some ideas of who I believe can deliver on what is required to secure and enhance the work of Jamaica’s Sports Industry. 

Before I offer those suggestions, I have to talk about Reggae Month and last Saturday (February 25) and how a series of sports and entertainment events created economic activities for industry professionals; while providing fun and excitement for patrons from home and abroad. 

The music scene was energized with the events of Reggae Month which are on until Tuesday, February 28. But what happened this past weekend with: 

• Gibson MCCook Relays 
• Jamaica Premier League (Football) 
• Footloose 
• Bass Odyssey Sound Fest 
• It’s the 90s 
• Soca Jam 
• Lost in Time Festival 
• Horse Racing at Caymanas Park 

… there was more than enough entertainment to go around for the discerning public. 

Just about three years ago, this month (February), news confirmed that the Covid-19 pandemic was about to disrupt lives outside. Since then events have come back with a bang. 

A team is assembling some data on the weekend and as soon as those are available they will be released. 

SPORT IN JAMAICA 2023 & beyond 

I offered an idea of who I believe can make this Business of Sport work with the following structure: 

The Government of the day should be able to make the best persons available for the roles of Minister and Minister of State. I have my own ideas on which members of the current team can, but I would not want to offend a soul. 

• Ministry of Sport
  • Minister 
  • Minister of State 
  • Permanent Secretary 
  • Sport Director
    • Research Officer 
    • Operations Officer 
    • Policy Officer 
    • Associations Liaison 

Sport Agency (Sport Development Foundation)

• CEO
  • Directors of
    • Marketing, Research, Finance 
  • Corporate Planner (to deal with bilaterals, administration, academic development, infrastructure
  • Legal 
  • Event Manager (incoming and outgoing delegations, permits, venue updates) 
  • Venues and Facilities

Approach 

• Think Tank this May (2023) to look at 2024 – 2030
  • Align with the Vision 2030 
• Prepare a master calendar up to 2030
  • Incoming events 
  • Outgoing events 
  • Update and upgrade venues with capacity and capabilities 
  • Assessment of which sporting disciplines are:
    • Mass
    • Economic drivers 
    • Network possibilities 
    • International Competitions 
    • Tourism-attractive 
    • Recreation 

There are some planned renovations of sporting facilities across the island and with that, the capacity to provide preparation spaces for sports people and hosting of a variety events should be the target based on the research conducted above. 

The recent announcement to have a soft launch for a National Sport Registry in April 2023, is timely and should be used as the repository (database) to speak to who we are preparing for the future. The registry by summary will and should collect data that can be useful to know how we define our athletes based on: 

• The preparation plan for athletes in phases 
• What are the nutritional and medical needs 
• Geographical peculiarities of the athletes 

I am recommending we designate “active communities” to include schools and clubs to be able to track and monitor the athletes to be covered under the registry for three to five years. Run the reports and evaluate the information. For the athletes that we have information now, use them as a sample to implement brand strengthening. 

We are just below 500 days to #Paris2024 (July 26 – August 11, 2024) – we should enter these Summer Games as a more formidable sporting brand with the leadership of track and field, which has lead for over six decades. 

Let’s Stay in the Game.

Rethinking Sport in Jamaica

Remove the S from CHASE… Boost the SDF

KINGSTON – For more than a century there has been a Jamaican athlete that has impressed someone, somewhere across the world.  The early days of cricket tours in and out of the West Indies, international boxing cards, football, netball and host of other sports, served a bit of a signal to the world that Jamaica was and continues to be a big part of any sport conversation. 

Ask any track and field fan, cricket (yes, believe it or not); netball, football, basketball fan and a Jamaican athlete’s name can come up. 

Over time, sport has been funded by private and public means. What has been consistent though, is the first-class performance that has been maintained, sustained and enhanced by the athletes. 

In 1995 the game changed somewhat, the Government of the day approved a plan to start the Sports Development Foundation. The SDF was established as an independent body to contribute to the development of the nation through sports.

With sport emerging (at the time) as a major contributor to the island’s economic activities, there was a thought that sport needed more. The agency in its early days focused on infrastructure and capacity building. The Mona Hockey Field (astro turf); several football fields, National Indoor Sport Centre were among some of the venues that were renovated, upgraded and built from scratch. The capacity building focused on administrative development of officials from at least 40 sporting disciplines. 

As you read along, and you are in the business of sport, you can clearly identify the gaps for a country that has produced so many world-class athletes. So whilethe track and field performances have been outstanding to date, to gain and maintain the competitive edge and move ahead, there needs to be a re-thinking of how sport is: 

• Funded 
• Managed 
• Researched 
• Marketed 
• Re-Developed

It is with those five key areas, that my recommendations for Sport for Jamaica going forward include: 

• Boost the work of the SDF
  • Remove the S from CHASE (they can determine what to do with C-H-A-E) 
  • Increase the staff numbers to include a:
    • Planner 
    • Researcher 
    • Marketer
    • Developer 

It is clear that Jamaica’s technical talent is at a great level – coaches and athletes continue to break the ceiling of performance. Most of the major sporting events have consistent work being done with their technical staff. 

The next level is needed and in another decade, if we are not careful, we will be chasing dreams in the key areas that will ensure that the next generation has access to the same enabling environment. 

GC Foster, UTECH, UWI and Mico continue to train Sport Officials in education, management and preventative care; but an elite athlete cannot in 2023 & beyond, compete without the support of branding and marketing to take them to the top of their games. 

In redefining how Jamaica as a nation treats this industry, there are also some policy decisions which should be happening simultaneously. SPORT should have its own Ministry.

This is what I envisage the team should look like from the policy and operational side 

• Ministry of Sport
  • Minister 
  • Minister of State 
  • Permanent Secretary 
  • Director of Sport + 5
• Sport Development Foundation (agency)
  • Managing Director
    • Directors of Marketing, Research, Finance 
    • Corporate Planner (to deal with bilaterals, administration, academic development, infrastructure
    • Event Manager (incoming and outgoing delegations, permits, venue updates) 

Change is inevitable if we want to be successful. 

The research element of the business cannot be overstated, as it is the data we collect and how we use it to inform our next set of moves on and off the field that will determine our capacity to handle, manage and deliver a world class sporting industry run by those who are capable. 

In the next column, I will pick the team who can and should be asked to deliver on this plan. Until then…

Carole 

Always a Step Ahead

COMING SOON: Pitch sessions for Sport Business Solutions

Jamaica continues to dominate sport and news pages with the exploits of some of its elite athletes globally. The time is always right and ripe for more people to get involved. The Business of Sport is always poised for explosion on and off the field.

Jamaica remains a sport destination, one where athletes from several sporting disciplines are prepared for national, regional and international competition.

The business also continues to employ managers, agents, lawyers, financiers and a whole range of technical officials, helping to guide performances and businesses in the right direction. The media and production units also play a major role in broadcast and creation of content to the world.

What has been missing are business solutions that can aid in making the experience at a sporting event better, more efficient while remaining cost-effective. This is what the business of sport looks like in 2023 and beyond.

Since the covid-19 pandemic, we have had a chance, globally, to rethink how athletes, brands and fan interact. And now with some restrictions eased where fans are back out in numbers, we ought to have more efficient and user-friendly applications.

SOLUTIONS NEEDED

This calls for an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to create. Ideas will be welcome in a two-day pitch session which will have a look at business ideas in three key areas:

• Operations – concession, parking, ticketing, security, venue management
• Athlete Performance – data collection, talent management, injury management, gear
• Fan Engagement – fans in and outside of venues, sales, advertising

All sporting disciplines should be considered from A – Z. Individuals/Groups (not more than 5) can create ideas and pitch to sport leaders for up to 15 minutes, this April in Kingston. The pitch session will target participants 18 years and older who may want to explore those options.

The pitches will be judged based on design, development and talent; in other words, the “wow” factor, the simple, easy-to-use factor and how cost effective it can be developed.

Details on how to participate will be launched by the end of February.

Separating the Art from the Artiste

Reggae music continues to evolve. And with that evolution comes the attraction to a more diverse listenership. Research has shown that many of Jamaica’s more established artistes have an audience whose average age is 30 years and above. 

Does lyrical content influence their audience? Do the performers’ real-life circumstances have any bearing on the quality or value of their music? 

Consider your most favoured songs from your favourite artistes and ask yourself: would you want to meet the person behind your favourite music? If that answer is yes, does it matter what the artiste has done in their past, or is doing at the moment?

As music is a part of our everyday life, it is impossible to escape the artistry of popular singers, especially when they find themselves in personal-life turmoil (fans typically Google their favourite singer when news breaks about their misdeeds.  These searches typically take fans  to an artist’s catalogue on streaming services thus boosting their streams).  

The music we rely on from our favourite artistes to help to soothe moments of grief, commemorate moments of joy, paradoxically comes from the vocal trademark of people who themselves find themselves in circumstances of trouble.

Here are some real stories of persons whose music you love; they have developed habits that are not healthy, they have taken substances that are illegal, they have done things that are otherwise frowned upon by society, or they could be in prison.  Does that change how you feel about your favourite songs or artiste?

With song titles like, Freedom Blues, To Your Arms of Love, Love is and Unconditional Love there are indications that the song-writer/artiste has ideas of shaping the minds of those who consume, but to also reposition thoughts to the discerning fan, that circumstances can cause life adjustments, and what is in the heart, comes out in song. 

When you see a list that asks to Call on me as Only You, I am Longing For, those thoughts call for Reflections. 

Comments about artistes differ from male and female fans and in age groups.  A short survey among women over 40 shows they have more of a tendency to forgive., “Does the Crime serve the time,” is a common thought among that demographic. 

During a series of discussions held in Jamaica in 2019, scholars of music discussed the topic: Dancehall Stardom, Version 1 – Crime and Punishment. Positions such as a proposal for “a meaningful music curriculum [to] be implemented as a matter of urgency,” says Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah.

Stanley Niaah has in the last decade spoken and published about music, but in discussing this topic, is developing material for a program dubbed “From Prison to College” – she believes in rehabilitation with and through the music.

Jamaican shooters head to Thailand for World Competition

JAMAICAN SHOOTERS HEAD TO THAILAND FOR WORLD EVENT 

KINGSTON – Veteran shooter, Anthony Johnson is among six shooters who are due in Thailand, November 18 – December 4 for the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) World Shoot event. 

The Level 5 competition which was originally scheduled for 2020 is expecting to have over 1,500 competitors from 56 countries. 

Johnson who will be attending his eighth world shoot event, having medalled in two will be accompanies by: 

From top – Moulton, Johnson; Middle – Lawrence and Yap; Bottom – Campbell and McPherson

• Lennie Moulton 
• Andrew Yap
• Arjun McPherson 
• Bernard Lawrence 
• And the lone female, Yeonie Campbell 

Campbell last had international exposure at a Level 4 tournament in Florida, where she was part of Jamaica’s Super Six team. 

While in Thailand, the six-member team will participate in the Open, Standard, Production and Production Optics categories. 

Prior to departure, the team will host a practice session at 3:30 pm on Wednesday, November 9 at the Jamaica Rifle Association headquarters in Kingston. 

-ENDS-

Women’s Squash Week

It’s Women’s Squash Week. Jamaica will not be left out. 

The World Squash Federation has designated September 17 – 24 as the week to bring additional attention to the sport and to bring about a greater awareness. 

To commemorate the week, the Jamaica Squash Association will host two events today (Wednesday, September 21) and Thursday at the Liguanea Club and Mona respectively. Both days, the event will start at 6pm. 

President, Karen Anderson, on the heels of hosting a successful Caribbean Championships, wants more women to get involved in the sport.

Anderson in her appeal, says “women can play, officiate or serve as administrators in the sport. We want as many women to feel comfortable knowing they can contribute.” 

Anderson, who has been active since 1982 as a Junior player, now serves as a coach, official and plays in the veteran’s category. She recently accompanied Jamaica’s national team to the Commonwealth Games in the UK. 

Some other outstanding women include: 

• Katherine Risden – current U17 Caribbean champion 
• Mehar Trehan – current U15 Caribbean champion
• Sanjana Nallapati ranked 3rd in the u17 in the Caribbean 
• Mia Todd ranked 5th in U19 Caribbean 
• Savannah Thomson former U13 Caribbean champion 

The national championship is set for November. 

Jamaica, a sport destination?

For years, Jamaica has performed well in international spaces in track and field, cricket, football, netball, basketball, hockey, swimming… and I could go on. Much has been discussed about Jamaica as a destination that produces athletes of the highest caliber; but also a destination that can host sport. That is how the economic cycle turns.

As a background, the Jamaican system has never been able to record a correct estimate of the contribution of the sport industry to its gross domestic product (GDP); but the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) in its annual public, the Economic and Social Survey of Jamaica (ESSJ) suggests that sports and entertainment contribute a combined figure of up to 3.5 per cent.

The GDP as reported for the 2019 period is $14.516 billion. The sport figure would therefore be close to $500 million.

When the Government presented its 2019/2020 budget for $803 billion the allocation for sport was $4.119 billion; a figure that has shown steady increase over the years. Certainly, in the last decade the country has participated in two Summer Olympic Games – 2012, 2016 and was about to go to its third in 2020, now postponed to 2021.

For the 2022/2023 budget cycle, the overall figure is estimated at 912 billion. The allocation for sport is 4.4 billion which is .48 per cent of the overall budget.

For that table to turn, we need a model that speaks to

• Properties – leagues, teams and athletes earnings
• Rights Management – gate, media and marketing rights
• Events – this is now an experience in a cutting edge venue
• Content

One of the best examples of how the four areas mentioned above co-exist, was when the ICC developed and implemented T20 cricket. We know how that has gone.

Talent alone won’t sell and if Jamaica is to earn from Sport and Entertainment it must have venues that can host events. The venues on the island could do with some modernisation and even additional (new) venues to stay in the game.

Because of our developing nation status, we have to plan way head of time and set targets. The time to start is now, if not before.

The ideal events are single sport. MultiSport events are outside of reach at this point, as the legacies have not shown the requisite ROI in even developed nations.

That value-added is needed. Based on global figures, football, basketball, cricket, golf events and extreme sport have the biggest potential for revenue. We should look at a plan (again). Reactivate Jamaica Sport. And oh, by the way, Sport Conventions are a massive way to earn.

Tryall Golf Course, Jamaica

Roman Parks get MVP for basketball

For immediate release 

Monday, August 1, 2022

KINGSTON, Jamaica – P.h.a.s.e 1 is the winner of the inaugural Jamaica Basketball Showcase title. They defeated Caribbean Basketball Academy (CBA) 59 – 46 in the final on Saturday at the UTECH Auditorium. 

P.h.a.s.e 1 went through the preliminary round winning all four of their matches to get to the top of the table. Their scores read: 

1. 51-35 winners over Central Warriors 
2. 42-34 winners over CBA 
3. 49-43 winners over Lignum Vitae 
4. 49-41 winners over Hummingbirds 

CBA on the other hand was 3 – 1 going into the final match 

Their scores were: 

1. CBA 55 – Hummingbirds – 37 
2. Lost to P.h.a.s.e 1 – 34 – 42 
3. 39 – 36 win over Central Warriors 
4. Triple Overtime win 80 – 75 over Blue Mahoe 

Most Valuable Player for the tournament was Roman Parks of Lignum Vitae. Other sectional prizes went to 

• Rebounds – Roman Parks (Lignum Vitae) 
• Top Scorer – Alex Levy (Blue Mahoe) 
• Most Steals – Maliek McCarthy (Blue Mahoe) & Anthony White (P.h.a.s.e 1) 
• Most Free Throws – Roman Parks (Lignum Vitae) 
• Most Blocks – Nicholai Brown (P.h.a.s.e. 1) 

Parks lamented that although his team came close to getting into the final “I was happy to be able to play in a tournament.” That is the sentiment of the players. 

The majority of each team were players 23 and under; while they had two older players drafted per team. 

The Showcase honored six stalwarts who have contributed to the all-round development of the game. The six honorees were – Mrs Elaine Barker, Simone Edwards, Roger Marshall, Howard McCatty, Gordon Porter and Dr Howard Harvey. 

This was the first competition since March 2020 and JaBA president, Paulton Gordon was complimentary to Sports Innovators Group (SIG), organizers of the event; while CEO of SIG, Paul Campbell, is looking forward for this event to be on the calendar. 

The tournament featured 75 players, 15 team officials, 6 referees, four table officials and a list of volunteers supported by GC Foster College. 

Special guests for the event came from 30 young boys and girls from the Majesty Garden community. Sponsor partners featured were Express Fitness, KFC, A Peart Advisory Services. GKMS Online (Western Union), Mailpac and Suretime Medical. 

Tournament information may be found https://sportsinnovatorsgroup.com/jbs2022/ 

-ENDS-

Dandre Forbes

CBA vs Central Warriors (red)

75 male basketball players will be on parade

KINGSTON, Jamaica  – When the inaugural Jamaica Basketball Showcase (JBS) tips off on Thursday morning at 10:00, the 75 male players will represent some of the best of the island’s basketball players. 

The six team, three days tournament, will feature current, previous and potential national players. 

The teams will assemble players from all across the island. The players that should be outstanding should come from DeAndre Forbes, Matthew McGowan, Anthony Whyte, Jean Paul Campbell, Odaine Clahar and Brendon Dawkins. 

The top prize will include cash and a trophy. There will be six sectional awards. They are top free throw shooter, top in steals, assists, rebounds, blocks and the tournament MVP. Each day, the tournament will feature a player of the match. 

In year one of the event, Sport Innovators Group (SIG) has managed to attract an impressive list of sponsor partners. The event is endorsed by Jamaica 60 and sanctioned by the Jamaica Basketball Association. 

Joining the party are KFC Jamaica, Express Fitness, Courts Ready Cash, Western Union, A Peart Advisory Services, Wisynco (WATA) and Mailpac. The partnerships have also expanded to include massage therapists students from the GC Foster College and students who participate in mini-camps under the tutelage of INSPORT will also be in attendance.

The Medical Services are being provided by SureTime Medical.

The three-day event will be held at the University of Technology Auditorium.