The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports is updating the Virgin Islands National Sports Policy, and it needs your help.
To that end, the agency is asking residents to complete an online survey that includes 30 questions on topics including their involvement in sports, the reasons they participate, and where they would like to see the future of sports in the territory, government announced in a Tuesday press release.
“The Virgin Islands National Sports Policy is essential for the future of sports and recreation in the territory,” said DYAS Director Brenda Lettsome-Tye. “It is also an important guide for the athletic community of the Virgin Islands, who are excelling in various disciplines of sports on the world stage.”
Ms. Lettsome-Tye urged residents to fill out the survey, which she said will take about five minutes to complete.
“Participation from the community will not only provide content to assist in the updating and crafting of the policy, but it will show that this community is in support of our athletes,” she said.
History
The policy was originally developed in 2013 following a consultation that took the form of a two-day workshop with representatives from sports organisations, sports federations, the BVI Olympic Committee, physical education teachers, DYAS members, and other residents.
A consultant was engaged to prepare a draft, which was later finalised by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The policy was subsequently approved by Cabinet on Oct. 2, 2013 but not laid in the House of Assembly, according to government.
Among other provisions, the policy identified priorities including the establishment of a national sports council; the expansion of physical education in schools; the facilitation of sports for people with special needs; athlete development and welfare; national representation; sports infrastructure; sports tourism, financing, implementation and measurement; and a proposed sports policy institutional framework, according to government.
New policy
The newly revised policy will seek to address sports “in a holistic manner, recognising the importance of the roles of sport development for elite athletes and sports for development (social development, economic development and maintenance of health) towards the overall development of the Virgin Islands,” according to government.