Loreen Bannis-Roberts, the Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs for Dominica, has been named to the National Alliance For Youth Sports' Board of Directors.

 

"The National Alliance For Youth Sports' Board of Directors is extremely proud to announce the appointment of Loreen Bannis-Roberts to our team of dedicated individuals who believe wholeheartedly in the values sports instill in the lives of children," said Bob Bierscheid, Chairman of the Board.

 

Bannis-Roberts has been instrumental in helping to provide much-needed programming throughout her country by working closely with the Alliance.

 

Through her tireless efforts the Alliance's Game On! Sports and Start Smart Sports Development Programs are already being implemented throughout the country.

 

These programs provide children with much-needed equipment and basic instruction on skills such as throwing, catching, kicking and batting.

 

"Start Smart is going to have tremendous benefits for us," Bannis-Roberts said. "The kids are very excited. What's good about the program for Dominica is that we do not have a presence of parents at sports activities because it's not part of our culture, and based on the whole setting of the Start Smart program parents play a critical role, so this is going to really build good relations between parents and children."

 

Part of the Alliance's focus will also be to assist in training adult volunteers in Dominica who will eventually serve as coaches and league administrators for newly created programs that will be set up throughout the country.

 

"Loreen has played a vital role in the launching of these sports programs in Dominica, which will provide a worldwide model for other countries," said Fred Engh, founder and president of the Alliance. "We are pleased to have someone that is so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children joining our board and strengthening our efforts across the globe."