WITH several calls surrounding the need to invest more in grass-roots programmes, Sports Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange says her ministry is committed to playing its part by supporting primary school competitions, since she sees this as a gateway to future success.

One of the ministry’s agencies, Institute of Sports (INSPORTS), organises and executes sporting events at the primary level. Recently, the football and netball competitions ended with St James’ Corinaldi Avenue Primary and St Patrick’s Primary of Kingston winning the respective titles and $200,000 each. The runners-up as well as the third- and fourth-placed teams of both competitions were also awarded cash prizes, totalling $500,000.

Grange says the student athletes on display need to be taken care of as she views them as potential stars for the country.

“As minister I consider extremely important, and based on the policy of the Government, we must invest in our youth and our children because they are the future. They must be developed. We have a responsibility to go out there, unearth the talent, develop the talent, and showcase the talent,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“When I look at these youngsters I see future athletes — footballers and netballers who are going to carry the flag for Jamaica worldwide. You can see the talent in them, you can feel their passion, and you can feel how committed they are not just to the sport but to the country. They’re very proud, young Jamaicans so we have a responsibility to make sure they realise their dreams, and that is why we invest in them,” Grange added.

While placing focus on the youth who participate in the INSPORTS-run competitions Grange says stronger emphasis is being placed on investing in coaches.

“We find the funds, put the allocation in the budget, do the search islandwide; we do it in football, netball, track and field, and many other sports. Not only do we invest in developing the individuals, but we know sports instils discipline so we’re also building disciplined Jamaicans,” she said.

“You also have to give support to the coaches because it’s a labour of love for the coaches. They can never be paid enough so we have to help in furthering their skills, and their capacity and ability to train these youngsters, and also for them personally to grow. It is very gratifying when you see the results and you see how much they appreciate it.”

The INSPORTS Primary Track and Field Championships is set to begin next month. There are expected to be three regional championships — eastern, central and western — before the all-island championships at the National Stadium.