As the fanfare surrounding Julien Alfred’s return to Saint Lucia subsides, questions about support for the next generation of athletes have emerged.
While these concerns are evident across various disciplines, one cricket sports club has revealed its challenges to St. Lucia Times.
The Babonneau Rising Stars Cricket Academy has faced several hurdles that have hindered the club’s growth and ability to support young players.
Among the challenges is the lengthy process of obtaining official endorsement as a club from the district Youth and Sports Council.
“We haven’t reached out to any corporate people yet for help. Since we’re not yet endorsed, we get help and assistance from nonprofit organisations,” said Sekhanda Gustave, President of the Cricket Academy. “Make it easier to get endorsed! The corporate community should put as much effort into these initiatives as they do for Carnival etc.”
Head Coach for the Academy, Jervaughn Charles, also highlighted the issues his team faced on the ground. He appealed to potential sponsors to assist in this regard.
“Going into our third year of existence, we are looking to expand our resources to cater for the different age and experience groups. At present, one collapsible net is used on a daily basis for seniors and juniors alike. We are hoping to have a two-strip net built to allow for better training. It is not just a net— it is a way of building leadership qualities in youth as well as fostering independence.
“With the ascension of Olympic supremacy through Julien Alfred, sports should be taken more seriously as it can change the lifestyle of people. We are appealing to corporate sponsors in and out of Babonneau to assist in this venture.”
These cries have also been echoed by Minister for Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casimir.
At a pre-cabinet press briefing, Casimir noted that all stakeholders must step up to fast-track youth development.
“It’s a good time for every single stakeholder in Saint Lucia to play their part. I think my speech on Friday indicated that,” Casimir noted. “I mean, it’s clear that easily $300,000 could be raised for an athlete as we saw corporate Saint Lucia coming out and pretty much donating to Julien Alfred. I’m just wondering why this cannot happen before the person gets to be Julien Alfred. Why has this not happened at the primary school level?“The youth councils have their role on the ground, in the communities to really develop and put young people in meaningful programs, including sports programs, financial development programs, mental programs, including drug-free programs…everybody has a role to play in identifying the next Julien Alfred.”
Individuals interested in assisting the Babonneau Rising Stars Cricket Academy can reach out to the Coach at 1(758) 719-8297 or the President at 1(758) 287-9167.
