President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), Ryan Dey would like to see the new government bring about sweeping changes so as to cause a revolution in sports in Guyana.
Dey told Stabroek Sport recently that local athletes are full of potential, but without the 2020 vision and support needed from the government, sport in the 592 will remain in its abysmal state.
“Look at the good things sports has done for our neighbours, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and the list can go on” said Dey.
He added “I would recommend that government pay more attention to the needs of sports organizations since sports can put this country on the map in a positive way.”
Dey pointed out that adequate financial assistance along with competent office bearers who will faithfully carry out their mandates are keys to unlocking the development of sports locally.
“I would really like to see monies being pumped into sports organizations so that they can get more youths involved in sports. I’m sure most organizations have a very extensive strategic plan to help the youths of Guyana find themselves in sporting activities, eliminating the need for them to turn to a life of crime. However, without the proper financial assistance, the plan just stays as a great plan that cannot executed.”
The former national rugger concluded by stating that he would like the government during their tenure to treat the sport sector with the same respect that is given to health and education.
“I’d like to see them give sports the respect it deserves. Sports in Guyana is not respected at all and that’s saying it politely. I’d like to see the same focus they would put on education they extend that to sports. Not everyone is cut out to be a scholar, we have persons who would break barriers for this country in the sporting arena if they have the right environment. So I’d like to see this Government be the catalyst in bringing about the change in how Guyanese view sports by making it a way of life.”
After swearing in, new Sports Minister, Charles Ramson Jr., pledged to depart from the ad hoc manner in which sport is treated in Guyana. He said he plans to implement strategies to run sports as a business locally. Ramson Jr., had declared “Sports is more than just hobbies and staying fit. It is one of the largest sectors in the world and could be very much transformational for the country by drawing our human capital and the talents of our young people.”
