Government Eliminates Fees for Schools’ Main Athletic Meet
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has announced a significant initiative that aims to promote sports in schools. Effective immediately, schools will no longer be required to pay fees for the use of national playing fields for their main athletic events, which usually occur in the second term of the academic year.
The announcement was made by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Honourable Lavern King, during an education forum earlier today.
Minister King also said that “on the advice of Senior Minister Phillip Jackson, there will also be an increase in the prize money for both the Inter-Secondary and Inter-Primary Championships. We are aiming to show a more tangible appreciation for our students’ hard work and accomplishments in athletics.”
She also urged businesses, alumni and community leaders to “adopt a school” or support a school-based club or society in order to invest in the holistic development of the country’s youth.
Leading by example, Minister King announced that she had already secured a commitment from the Brunch and Soca Foundation, to contribute to schools. The foundation will provide a cash award of EC$1,000 each to the Victor and Victrix Ludorum at the inter secondary school sports.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to nurturing well-rounded students academically, socially and athletically, we believe that participation in extracurricular activities builds discipline, teamwork and a sense of pride,” Minister King stated.
The Ministry of Education remains steadfastly committed to providing opportunities for the youth and enhancing the role of education in national development.