THE Department of Youth Development and Sports met with coaches within the Department on Monday morning as coaching programmes continue throughout the island.
In her opening statements, School Sports Coordinator, Isabel Marquis, told the coaches to continue to keep a professional deportment when carrying out their duties.
The coaches were given their log books so as to schedule and indicate to the Ministry what their plans are for the week.
At the meeting, coaches were also given the opportunity to brief the Ministry on ongoing programmes. From all indications, cricket has made great strides in preparation for the Windward Island Under-15 Tournament.
Coach Junior Derose said that for the first time in years, Saint Lucia’s bowling attack seems stronger than the batting. He expects that when the team is finally chosen, they will be ready to defend their title in December.
In football, coach David Henry indicated that his ambition has been to target the players at the primary schools and that work has to be done by coaches and referees involved in the ongoing inter-schools competitions to provide a better service to the players.
A request for more equipment to be made available in primary schools was made towards a more strategic development of sports islandwide.
Chris Wells, table tennis coach, indicated that he has been working feverishly to get the schools tournament off the ground this term. He expects for an increase in the number of participants in this year’s competition.
The meeting ended with basketball coach, Ron Du Murville, suggesting that the Ministry holds a sports festival. The one-day event will allow individuals from the different sporting disciplines to showcase the various aspects of their sports to parents, teachers and any other interested persons in attendance.