Letter To The Editor

The Editor
The Anguillian Newspaper

Dear Sir:

On March 30, 2006, the Primary Schools of Anguilla enjoyed their Annual Sports Day. There was much fun, laughter and good-natured competition.. It is gratifying to see positive attitudes being fostered at an early stage in a child’s development. Such attitudes must be carefully nurtured as children mature.

The recent incident where an Anguillian competing team ‘walked out’ because they disagreed with the Judges’ decision was disgraceful and embarrassing. Teams who go off island to represent Anguilla become ambassadors, not personalities. There are correct ways to question a Judge’s decision, but walking out is not one of them. Such action should result in a team being shut out of competition for at least one year. The stigma of poor behaviour/sportsmanship can never be erased.
Parents, teachers and involved adults should also ensure the safety of children in their care. Bicycle riders must be taught that a safety helmet is required at all times. Only one child wore a helmet at the March 30 racing event. Next day, a number of teenage cyclists followed the other school’s races without helmets. In most countries wearing safety helmets, even in your backyard, is the law. Fair competition, good sportsmanship and personal safety measures are some of the attitudes which help a child lead a happy and successful life.

A concerned parent.