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SKNIS Photo: Vice President of the National Alliance for Youth Sports John Engh (left) shakes with Senior Youth Officer Dave Connor |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (September 06, 2005): St. Kitts and Nevis is moving forward with the National Alliance for Youths Sports (NAYS) in its continuing efforts to enhance local sporting programmes.
NAYS is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that offers programmes and services for everyone involved in youth sports. Its goal is to make sports and activities safe and positive. As such, the organization offers training and collects and distributes various sporting equipment to partner countries such as the United States, Africa and the Caribbean.
John Engh, NAYS vice-president, visited the Federation last week to dialogue with stakeholders and explore the possibility of implementing several programmes in St. Kitts. His stay was due mainly to an invitation extended by Senior Youth Officer Dave Connor who is responsible for youth development through sports at the Department of Youth.
While here, he met with key stakeholders and was able to attend training sessions with physical education teachers from various high schools. Engh also used the opportunity to review sporting practices and target specific areas where NAYS can assist.
Mr. Engh explained that many of the issues faced by young athletes in the United States is similar to those faced by locals. This he stated should help with a less complicated and more effective implementation of programmes.
I think we can set up a chapter here in St. Kitts, he revealed. If volunteer coaches training is needed, I think one of the programmes that will be applicable is our parents training programme.
Implementation of Start Smart which focuses on teaching basic motor skills in schools to 3 to 7 year olds was also identified. In fact a commitment was made to assist eight schools in this regard.
Also targeted for introduction here is Game On!Youth Sports, a follow-up to Start Smart whereby game situations are applied to primary schools for persons aged 7 to 12 years. The Global Gear Drive is another programme that will be introduced here. This features the collection of youth sports equipment from major companies and redistribution to developing countries.
Dave Connor will be representing the Federation at the September 16 to 18 International Youth Sports Congress scheduled for Denver, Colorado. He will update delegates from some 40 countries on the present relationship between the National Alliance for Youth Sports and St. Kitts and Nevis. Additional information is available at www.nays.org.
