Dear Editor,
The jewels of Jamaica's track & field were on display for the world to see last weekend and what a show it was.
However, little thought is given to the driving forces behind these young athletes and the extensive work that they put into their events and executing on the day of competition.
All of these athletes are students, some of whom struggle financially and academically to keep up with the demands that school places on them. They go to school some days without lunch or money to buy lunch. They contend with demanding teachers who want to see them do as well in the classroom as they do on the field.
Oftentimes, they train before or after school and for some they have both training sessions. A few succeed in both schoolwork and athletics, most cope fairly well with all these strains, while others fail at one and succeed at the other.
It is sad to acknowledge that school is usually the faculty that suffers. This must change and can change when they receive moral and other support off the track by our many experienced professionals. The coaches, doctors and physiotherapists who extend their expertise and time, often free of charge, must be acknowledged. The praying, hardworking parents and the mentors they turn to after a hard day of training, should share in these celebrations.
As a country that has gained enormously from the benefits of athletics success, let us ensure that proper support systems are set up to help these young people (who represent us so well) realise their true potential and set themselves up for a prosperous future. Well done TeamJamaica ... another CARIFTA Games has been painted black, green and gold ... We are JAMAICANS and we ting tall up!
Tamicka Bonnick
tamicka_bonnick@yahoo.com
Jamaica's jewels on display
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The jewels of Jamaica's track & field were on display for the world to see last weekend and what a show it was.
However, little thought is given to the driving forces behind these young athletes and the extensive work that they put into their events and executing on the day of competition.
All of these athletes are students, some of whom struggle financially and academically to keep up with the demands that school places on them. They go to school some days without lunch or money to buy lunch. They contend with demanding teachers who want to see them do as well in the classroom as they do on the field.
Oftentimes, they train before or after school and for some they have both training sessions. A few succeed in both schoolwork and athletics, most cope fairly well with all these strains, while others fail at one and succeed at the other.
It is sad to acknowledge that school is usually the faculty that suffers. This must change and can change when they receive moral and other support off the track by our many experienced professionals. The coaches, doctors and physiotherapists who extend their expertise and time, often free of charge, must be acknowledged. The praying, hardworking parents and the mentors they turn to after a hard day of training, should share in these celebrations.
As a country that has gained enormously from the benefits of athletics success, let us ensure that proper support systems are set up to help these young people (who represent us so well) realise their true potential and set themselves up for a prosperous future. Well done TeamJamaica ... another CARIFTA Games has been painted black, green and gold ... We are JAMAICANS and we ting tall up!
Tamicka Bonnick
tamicka_bonnick@yahoo.com
Jamaica's jewels on display
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