There are negotiations going on about a new basketball facility that will be the best Anguilla has ever seen. Moreover, the new football stadium is visible as construction has begun near the James Ronald Webster Park. Of course, I could not forget to mention that the new state of the art tennis facility currently being built in Blowing Point should be completed by June of next year.

Tennis is not as big in Anguilla, although the ATA hopes to change that, but football and basketball certainly are popular. As a matter of fact, sports in general from cricket, table tennis, martial arts, baseball, and softball are visibly played throughout the island. Children and adults enjoy competitive sports because they are fun. Yet, besides being fun, there is a level of ability and proficiency that all must achieve in order to function in a sport. In able to do so, one must apply him or herself and set goals. The main topic of this article is not to illustrate the multiple advantages of learning a sport, but to emphasize certain reasons why we should all support initiatives in our community to enhance sports.

One of the most apparent factors involved in a successful and thriving nation is social development programs. Organized sports fit directly under this framework of government as it is incumbent upon the members of government to ensure that a particular nation moves forward in a positive way. Children, as we all know, have a great deal of energy. Youth is synonymous with vibrancy, liveliness, and potential. Sports provide an outlet for youth in which they can channel their explosive energies in a manner that is conducive for learning to do and achieve difficult things. In Anguilla, having organized sports with proper facilities means something else. Engendering successful athletes is a way to put Anguilla on the map in the world arena which in turn will boost sports tourism. Parents will also be given more opportunities to enrol their children in positive activities that promote a healthy and sensible lifestyle.

Now that I have illustrated that Anguilla is moving forward by building facilities and organizing more opportunities for its children and adults. I am now going to urge that Anguillians, members of the British and Anguillian governments, expatriates, and visitors lend their hands to any and all organizations “on” Anguilla to help them in bringing their programs to fruition. I would also urge Government to not only continue to give financial support, but increase it substantially as it is apparent that by helping children channel their energies in a positive way can only bring prosperity to this small, but extremely important nation. In conclusion, I also insist that all adults act in an unbiased manner when making decisions about programs or facilities as it is important to keep our eyes on the prize; the development of the children, not the boosting of our own egos.

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