The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, has appointed Dr Sharmella Roopchand-Martin as the first head of its academy of sport.

A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Roopchand-Martin has lived and worked in Jamaica for most of her life and has been lecturing in physical therapy since 1998.

Dr Roopchand-Martin joined the UWI as a full-time faculty member at the School of Physical Therapy in 2007, as a lecturer of orthopaedics, neurology, exercise physiology and research methodology. She is a physical therapist, with a masters in biomedical ethics, a masters in rehabilitation Science, as well as a doctorate in physical therapy.

She is an active research with her work being centred mainly on active video gaming applications for sport training and rehabilitation, as well as water-based power training for athletes. These projects have included athletes at national and club levels from different sports. She has also published several papers in these areas in peer-reviewed journals.

“Over the next few years, as the head of the Mona Academy of Sport, I will work with a team here in Jamaica, as well with the heads of the corresponding Academies at Cave Hill, St Augustine and the Open Campus, to develop and drive sustainable programmes for producing world leaders in sport,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

One section of the Mona Academy of Sport will focus on developing academic programmes in sport, ranging from short certificate courses to doctoral programmes. Another section will focus on intercollegiate sporting activities at the local and regional levels.

The academy will also focus on the development of UWI student athletes, as well as explore opportunities for increased competition at local and regional levels for their collegiate teams. Additionally it will participate in outreach activities, enabling university athletes to become involved in projects at the community, primary, and high school levels, and develop a sporting ethos reflective of the highest moral and ethical standards.

Commenting on the appointment, newly appointed dean of the Faculty of Sports, Dr Akshai Mansingh, noted that the Faculty of Sport spans the four campuses, and on each campus the faculty has an Academy of Sport, which will conduct the work of the faculty.

“I am pleased that the head of the Mona Academy of Sport is someone with whom I have worked closely. She has, over the years, proven herself to be a strong leader and an excellent professional. I trust that she will excel in this position and continue to contribute to the development of the faculty significantly,” Mansingh stated.

Principal of UWI, Mona, Professor Archibald McDonald also commented on the appointment of Dr Roopchand-Martin, stating that he was delighted that the establishment of the Mona Academy of Sport is taking place during his tenure.

“I believe that Dr Roopchand-Martin will provide the necessary leadership to ensure the success of the Mona academy, which falls under the new Faculty of Sport,” Professor McDonald said.

— Balford Henry