ST. JOHN'S Antigua, June 19th, 2012 -- An initiative that will focus on exploring and managing opportunities for Antiguan and Barbudan student-athletes wishing to pursue a sporting career and quality educational experience at the same time was officially launched today by the Ministry of Sports.
The “EduSportsAB” initiative has been formulated based on the successes of the Van Coleman's Future Stars & Your World Youth Initiative which was managed by the then Director, of Community Sports and Games, Mr. Fitzroy Brann, during the period 1996 - 2003. Through that programme over forty (40) US College Scholarships were awarded to Antiguan and Barbudan athletes.
According to Planning Coordinator in the Ministry of Sports, Ann Jonas, the program is aimed at developing student athletes, capable of being good ambassadors for the country; capable of speaking well to the media, with the ability to exhibit appropriate behavior while overseas; and student athletes with the capacity of pursuing careers outside of the sporting discipline.
Jonas pointed out the “EduSportsAB” initiative targets individuals that are not only “athletically sound” but also “academically capable”.
So far, Government has already invested approximately $50,000 towards the prpgramme.
“We are investing in our young people, because the returns are expected to go from generation to generation,” Jonas noted.
A basketball camp, which is the first initiative under the “EduSportsAB” program, was also launched today. Six overseas coaches arrived in Antigua on 18th June to participate in the basketball camp. The expectation is that these coaches will identify suitably deserving athletes for scholarships.
Two school buses have been assigned to the “EduSportsAB” program and are solely dedicated to the transportation of student athletes.
Jonas further explained that the school buses are old buses that have been renovated, and she thanked the Board of Education (BOE) for the assistance that was provided towards the bus repairs.
Fitzroy Brann former Coordinator of Community Sports and Games has played a vital role in the “EduSportsAB” program. Mobilisation Officer, in the Ministry of Sports, George Joseph commended him highly on his input.
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