Sports will be a major beneficiary from oil and gas

-McWilfred

Guyana is about to enter the greatest phase of economic development in the country’s history.

We are about to become an oil and gas producing nation.

And, according to Frederick McWilfred, Head of the Political Division at the Ministry of the Presidency, this will result in the availability of unprecedented levels of resources for the development of sports. He made the statements during the closing ceremony of this year’s ‘Nationals’ on Friday night at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

In front of the thousands gathered at the facility, McWilfred, who was speaking on behalf of the unavoidably absent Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, further stated that sport “will be a major beneficiary in the use of those resources through the provision of adequate sports facilities in every community, in every region, on the coastland and in the hinterland.”

McWilfred highlighted how sport can benefit individuals and the economy.

“The government recognises that sport contributes to social cohesion, improved health and wellness, increases pride in country and community, generates economic benefits and contributes to the development of stronger communities,” he said.

“There is considerable evidence of the role of sports in delivering a wide variety of benefits to the communities and individuals, including economic benefits. Sports can contribute to economic prosperity, increase employment opportunities and raise skill levels,” he added.

McWilfred then pointed out that in 2010, sport and sportrelated activities contributed £20.3 billion to the British economy.

“Our government is supremely aware of the importance of sports and how it can be a vehicle through which we can realise the good life which our government works on every day to provide for the people of Guyana,” he said.

McWilfred concluded by listing the budget allocations and numerous projects the government has embarked on since taking office. “One can only imagine the effect on the quality of our athletes and of sports generally when our government’s long term objective to provide stateof-the-art facilities in each regional capital in our country is realised,” he said.

Frederick McWilfred speaking during the closing ceremony of this year’s ‘Nationals’ on Friday night at the National Track and Field Centre. (Emmerson Campbell photo)