MAR 20

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sport Veda Bruno-Victor believes there is a "revolution taking place in the sporting arena in the country".

She made the comment during a news conference held on Tuesday at the Ministerial Complex building in the Botanical Gardens. It was attended by Sport Minister Roland Bhola, Minister with responsibility for Sport, Senator Adrian Mitchell, National Football Coach Ali De. Bellotte, Captain of the Football team, Anthony Modeste and world indoor 400 metres gold medalist, Alleyne Francique.

Bruno-Victor used the occasion to appeal to the private sector to contribute more to assist sports men and women and to help in promoting the various sporting events.

She pointed out that nothing happens overnight and it takes a lot of support and commitment to produce world class athletes. The Permanent Secretary said that there are several athletes in Grenada who have the potential but are not able to fulfill them due to a lack of support.

According to Bruno-Victor, it is important for the private sector to join with the Ministry of Sports to help the athletes because when they excel, the country is recognised in the process.

The senior civil servant spoke of several congratulatory letters that her Ministry received as a result of Francique's remarkable performance in the 400 mestres in Athens over a week ago.

She said that when the Grenada flag was hoisted at the meet after the quarter miler won his event, the focus was not only on the athlete but on Grenada.

Minister with responsibility for Sports, Adrian Mitchell told reporters he believes that one of the ways the private sector can contribute is by adopting some of the playing fields that are being upgraded across the country. Minister Mitchell said that several of the younger athletes need assistance because they come from very poor families and so the private sector should show some concern by assisting them to meet their full potential.

Grenada has about twelve athletes based in Colleges overseas that are receiving financial assistance from government. The minister urged the private sector to find out which of the athletes need assistance abroad and to give them the necessary opportunity to help them progress.
Alleyne Francique who also spoke at the press conference gave assurances that he will continue to do his best to keep the country on the international stage.

He said that he is presently focusing on the Olympics and was training extensively with the hope of winning another medal for his country.