The IAYS board was in St. Kitts and Nevis March 8-12 for its annual executive committee meeting. While on the island, the group used the opportunity to get a sense of local sporting programs and introduced its Game On! Youth Sports and Start Smart Sports Development programs. IAYS currently supports the Department of Youth’s Youth Sport Initiative (YSI).

Minister Condor told the gathering, which included the IAYS board, teachers, parents and students involved in the YSI, that its government has a very active sporting program and is taking steps to broaden participation.

“The government is cognizant of the immeasurable value of sports to our children and welcomes any partnership that will assist in the education or sourcing of adequate funding for facilities, transportation and equipment necessary to create the desired sporting opportunities for our children,” he said. “We believe like IAYS does that sport is the outdoor classroom and helps to enhance their (children) overall physical, psychological, emotional, mental and social development. It is true to say that the rules of sport are the rules of life.”

The deputy prime minister explained that the success of the program (YSI), which will incorporate elements of Game On! Youth Sports and Start Smart, requires full participation from students, teachers, coaches and parents in particular. He added that the global achievements of the Florida-based Alliance are impressive.

“I applaud IAYS for the impact on national development worldwide through the many innovative programs,” Condor noted. “I wish to especially thank you - the executive board, and your staff for your interest, caring and generosity to our nation. We are eternally grateful and will work so that this partnership will continue to grow and flourish for the benefit of all.”

Minister Condor commended Founder and President of IAYS Fred Engh for his vision and leadership. “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes time but vision with action can change the world as you are doing,” he stressed, imploring the pioneer of youth sports to continue his efforts.

The ceremony was held at the Industrial Site Preschool. Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley chaired the event, which drew senior representatives from government including the Permanent Secretary of Youth Osmond Petty, Director of Sport Leroy Greene and Early Childhood Coordinator Vanta Walters.

Senior Youth Officer Dave Connor also made a Power Point presentation at the ceremony on the “State of Sports in St. Kitts” to give further insight into local developments. After the event the audience moved outdoors to witness a demonstration of preschoolers using the various sporting equipment donated by IAYS. Skills displayed included kicking, catching, hitting, throwing and shooting a basketball.

The executive members of IAYS were taken on a tour of local schools and sporting facilities after the event.