A contingent of 22 T&T Under-18 sportsmen and women took part in the fourth Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man. The youngsters would have competed against world-class talent—in some cases the gap from Port-of-Spain to elite level would have been a baptism of fire. Competing against the best is a catalyst for the mental and emotional breakthrough that is an absolute necessity, if the objective is to be the best that one can be. Our young sportsmen and women must face such examinations. There is no shame or disgrace in failure even though words such as disappointing, calamitous and annihilation will be used—that is part of the process, honour, privilege and responsibility of wearing the red, black and white. It comes with the territory. The decision by the TTOC to send the team to Isle of Man would have been with two eyes on 2016 and beyond. It is a philosophy that would have paid dividends in the past. But it also carried with it deeper motives.
The fact that the TTOC was unable to raise external funds for the team was merely an obstacle to be overcome. In these despairing times, events such as the Youth Games take on added relevance. How do we foster among our youth the attractiveness of national and community pride, that sense of direction and purpose that fires their energy and restlessness in a positive and constructive manner? Teams not gangs.
Why is the gang culture so compelling for some of our youth? In a society such as T&T where below the shallow surface lies factions and segregation, sport can break down barriers. Among the gangs, an intense disrespect for authority is an attraction. Gang culture involves serious criminal behaviour. Young people are bullied and or pressured into joining from as young as ten years old.
It is alleged that the gang culture has been encouraged, on occasions, by politicians who during national elections find the services offered useful. There may well be a moral deficit, but whatever the view, it is time to stop making excuses. Teams not gangs. National sport organisations in many ways act as surrogate parents. In this context, contentious and divisive sport politics and governance is not only revealing but short sighted. A failed democracy produces a victor while the sport, and more so the athletes, end up the real victims and losers. Why frustrate and condemn those children, teenagers and young adults who are trying to be constructive and positive. Why sacrifice them on the altar of expediency, in the process making the destructive culture and attitude more appealing.
As long as words are not matched by actions this society will not change the gang culture which can be found not only in the hot spots but in every other aspect of national life. NSOs can be in the vanguard of change, societal change that is, but it will require a far bigger vision than just wanting to win the spoils of office and power. The choice may well be either a new generation of young and talented athletes or the next generation of gang leaders. Our young and promising athletes and others who are knocking on the door need more than just a focus on their sporting lives and performances, but also their day-to-day lives away from sport. Hezekiel Romeo returns from Isle of Man with a bronze medal but he and his teammates could easily have been denied the honour and privilege. The future of sport in T&T will only be positive if NSOs put a lot of effort into its youth and fully support the development of sport in all areas.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt
By Brian Lewis