IN?ADDITION to competing in inter-schools netball, basketball and volleyball, secondary schools will soon have the added option of inter-schools sailing.
That was made a reality this week when the Government, through Minister of Youth and Sports Stephen Lashley, wholeheartedly endorsed the launch of the Youth Training Programme in sailing.
This event has been organized by KATS Kids At Sea Charity and supported by the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme which has been in Barbados for over 25 years.
Speaking at the Dipper’s Bar in the Sailing Club, Lashley noted that the club was established by former leader and national hero Errol Barrow who believed that sailing should be available to everyone in Barbados’ society.
“Therefore, I welcome this initiative to train and develop sailors thus ensuring that our population is sufficiently comfortable with the sea,” Lashley declared.
Lieutenant Colonel Vere Owen Springer of Duke of Edinburgh Scheme disclosed that the programme had already attracted 15 young people from Combermere, Queen’s College, Harrrison College and the Lodge School who would be trained in three modules lasting eight weeks, and then two one-week sessions. The previous one and only inter-schools sailing tournament was won by Queen’s College.
“We want to rekindle the passion for sailing among our youth with the idea that this will be a template to gauge its success before approaching the Government and National Sports Council to push sailing in the schools and the communities,” Springer added.
Dr Trevor Carmichael, who is a director of the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, stated that the Royalist Regatta which was held in Barbados in March was so successful that it was being used as a template throughout the Commonwealth.
Barbados will be holding another such Regatta in 2013.
