Mr. President,
It is indeed an honour for me speak on Agenda Item No 12 on “Sport for peace and development.”
Jamaica, in spite of its relatively small size, has enjoyed a long tradition of excellence in sport, which pre-dates the 1948 Olympics and the Helsinki Games of 1952 when our sprint relay team struck gold. The magnificent world class performance of our athletes in 2008, which was repeated at this year’s London Olympics truly showed the power of sport to unite the world, and its potential for development. This significant achievement by our athletes takes on added significance as this year marks our 50th Anniversary of Independence.
It is with this history and tradition in mind, that Jamaica decided to once again become a co-sponsor of the current resolution; and led us to become a member of the group of friends on sport.
Mr. President,
In spite of limited resources in our region and relatively small population groups, there is an urgent need to develop strategies throughout the region to maximize the resources and ensure the greatest positive impact among the population. Notwithstanding these circumstances, it is critical that sport becomes the focal point around which to stage our development programme. It has tremendous potential for all members of society, and in particular the youth. It is also important to ensure that government policies are aligned with this objective and the potential for developmental benefits of sports are duly recognized.
Sport has transcended the borders of the race tracks and indoor facilities. The reality is that it involves issues of health, tourism, social development and economic advancement which are of common interest to all of us. More importantly, sport provides a vehicle and strategy for not only government but for various other sectors of society to systematically reduce poverty, build peace, reduce conflict and create wealth within communities.
Mr. President,
Much has been done to institutionalize and formalize successful initiatives in Jamaica over the years. To this end, sport for development has become a national priority as demonstrated by the urgency being given by the Government in finalizing the revised National Sport Policy.
The National Sports Policy for Jamaica highlights the critical importance of sport in the achievement of Jamaica’s development goals and national growth. Sport is viewed by the Government of Jamaica as a cross-cutting vehicle that will contribute to achieving national development and a healthy society. Sport is also considered a sustainable process that builds leadership, supports healthy behaviour and lifestyle as well as peaceful coexistence among communities.
Women continue to excel in most sporting events, are integrally involved in the decision-making process relating to Sport policies and comprise a number of Executive Boards, as well as Coaching Staff. At the community level, Sport has been used as a major vehicle for mobilizing residents for various community development programmes and in Jamaica sport has become an ingrained component of our daily lives.
Mr. President,
Sport is included in the school curricula in Jamaica, from the elementary level to the tertiary level. The University of the West Indies (UWI) offers post-graduate programmes in Sports Medicine and other critically needed areas; University of Technology (UTECH) now hosts the Caribbean School of Sport Sciences which offers three B.Sc. Electives in Coaching, Sports Management and Athletic Training which focuses on physiology and physiotherapy; and our specialist institution the GC Foster College for Physical Education and Sport, maintains a high standard of excellence in wide ranging programmes that seek to address the gaps that now exist in sport related professions.
Mr. President,
It is clear that in order to maximise the potential of sport being used as a means to promote education, health, development and peace, there is a need to redesign the image and understanding of the term “sport”. It must address the means with which initiatives can be implemented through the provision of the necessary resources. This may be achieved through public and private sector partnership.
In realization of the important role that sport plays in the society, it is imperative that its integrity be preserved. It is for this reason that the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) promotes the development and maintenance of a dope free environment.
Mr. President,
Jamaica fully endorses the recommendation to strengthen the work in each national state in the area of sport as a vehicle for the promotion of education, development and peace and pledges to work collaboratively with other countries in this regard.
I thank you.