The government will invest EC$17 million to upgrade community sporting complexes across Antigua and Barbuda, with each constituency set to receive EC$1 million for improvements to existing facilities.
Sports and Creative Industries Minister Dwayne George welcomed the Cabinet decision, saying the funding comes as his ministry reviews government sports programmes to determine where they can be improved.
Cabinet said the investment recognises the importance of accessible sporting facilities to national sports development and community advancement.
George said he recently met with caretakers to hear about the maintenance problems they face and the supplies they need to keep facilities in good condition. He pledged to help them get the support they need and said the Cabinet allocation would assist the ministry with its plans.
The minister has also directed the Director of Sports and the ministry’s sports coordinators to draw up a plan to strengthen community sports. He said the aim is to give young people more opportunities to participate in different disciplines in their own neighbourhoods.
“While sports are thriving in schools, attention must now be placed on making the various disciplines available to young people in the areas that they reside. We will take it to them,” George said.
George said organised sports can play an important role in young people’s development, including by giving those at risk of getting into trouble with the law a constructive way to spend their time.
