By Iva Wharton
The problems affecting the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) could be a thing of the past if the recent Sports Administrators Course run by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) bear fruit.
Some 16 officials from various sporting disciplines graduated from the 13th annual GOA Sports Administration Course at Olympic House on Sunday.
According to some of the participants, the four-day programme was a good learning experience which will enable them to better assist with the running of their associations.
Course Director, Claude Blackmore, in his course review, disclosed that 22 persons registered for the programme with 21 showing up on the first day and 16 eventually graduating.
According to Blackmore, despite the drop-outs the programme was a success.
“As you are aware the facilitators were a number of persons – non GOA officials – and we covered a wide range of topics which, with the exception of one, is contained in the manual.
“We hope that you will use it and also share it with others,” he added.
Blackmore, who is also General Secretary of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), said that the manual was not to just be shared among the associations.
He pointed out that there was a captive audience that attention should be paid to, referring to the students who are writing Physical Education at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC).
Also addressing the participants was president of the GOA, K. A. Juman Yassin who, in his feature address, said that he sensed that the course went well and that there was a great deal of camaraderie.
That camaraderie, he said, was good as it would assist in the formation of networks.
“You have been able to hear a wide spectrum of speakers and lecturers on various topics; some of the things you may have known; some you didn’t and we sincerely hope that what you have learnt is for your benefit and hope that you will be able to apply it so that your respective organizations could be well run.”
Yassin added that there are a few things the participants must do as sports administrators.
“When you sit down as president and sports administrator you are not there to have friends. Integrity – there must be integrity on your part and you must try to bring integrity to your respective association, and must listen to the other side – as administrators and executive members, you have to give the other side the opportunity to hear what they have to tell you.”
The participants were also charged to adopt the HIV/AIDS programme.
“I think that a lot of associations don’t have that programme and policy, and it is important that we in the sports arena try have to help your young people.”
