Essence of Jamaican Sports

Essence of Jamaican Sport
by Carole Beckford


As we watch the 2007 IAAF World Championship in Osaka, Japan, we see the best athletes in track and field in the world on show. Jamaica, a major force to reckon, has set Japan on fire with its bold energy and spark which is commonplace wherever Jamaicans go.

I heard Ludlow Watts in a radio interview state that at the training camp up to a week before the start of the championships, people journeyed up to three hours to watch the Jamaican athletes in training. That says a lot about the brand.

The essence of our sport should not only transcend what happens on the track or field of play, but also in the changing rooms and every where that athlete goes.

The question is what is the essence of Jamaican Sport? I know a lot of us have never thought about it, but I have a few suggestions.

Responsibility: taking control for one’s action and being a role model at all times under any circumstance

Respect: Recognising the contribution one makes to sport treating them with dignity and consideration, as well as caring for property and equipment; hence ensuring safety to all

Fairness: making the most honourable decisions at all times operating within the rules and regulations and not to use any unfair advantage/tactics

These can be some bases with which we carry out the practice of physical education in schools and should also be three areas of focus for athletes (at all levels), coaches, officials, administrators, management and the general public at large.

A lot of what we practice and INVEST in as a people will have great returns. Some of the returns include:
- (more) top class athletes
- positive stories on the success of Jamaican athletes
- ability to attract more major events to Jamaica
- economic growth and development

I think if we adopt and apply the factors of responsibility, respect and fairness across the board with all the stakeholders involved then we will be able to, over a period of time, feel the positive effects in sport development in Jamaica.

The governing bodies for sport in Jamaica should seek to adopt this positive initiative as we seek to pursue our nation as a place where sport and physical education is available to all.

Jamaica has to unite on this decision as we go forward to propel sport as a sector which requires greater effort and support from all those involved.

For feedback, write to cubeckford@gmail.com


Note: Beijing will be the place to be for all elite athletes, August 8 – 24, 2008; another great year for sport on the horizon. Look out for Jamaica!

Hurricane Dean (recovery)

Well Hurricane Dean has come and gone
Leaving a lot of damage, while it carried on
It missed Cayman by miles
But flashed Mexico, and left a lot of people with no smile

People came and people went
Media was here in their numbers
CNN, Weather Channel, NBC, CBS, ABC, AP, Reuters
You name them, they were here...
Carrying the news, without any CARE.

SOUTH COAST TOUR - Day one

Nestled in the hills of Manchester is a town called Christiana...resting at Hotel Villa Bella...driving to Black River thru Junction, Newell, Southfield was a glorifying experience.

Fruits of allkind, melon, coconut, oranges, ripe banana...

Far from the 'hustle and bustle' of the HOT city of Kingston...it is a good get-a-way

Even a trip to Lovers Leap....Andre loved it

I will tell you more.

CB

I AM RED

I did a colour profile recently and was amazed to find out that I am a red…among the blue, yellow and white. Now here is the interesting summary of who is a Red…
Disclaimer: DO NOT USE ANYTHING IN THIS AGAINST ME! The mood may change without prior notice 

You are a RED personality. The Core Motivation that drives you through life is "Power". Power means the ability to get things done, to go from A to B as quickly and directly as possible. The word power was derived from the Old French poeir meaning "to be able." Often what is perceived by the other colors as insensitive is simply a pragmatic sense of urgency to accomplish a given task.

As a RED you naturally seek productivity and want others to see you as intellectually strong. As REDS want their own way, you like to be in the driver's seat and are willing to pay the price to be in a leadership role even in an intimate relationship. However, you can get frustrated when your partner cannot think for himself or make intelligent decisions on his own.

As a RED, you tend to value whatever gets you ahead in life, whether it is at work, school, or in your personal relationships. What you value, you get done. You may be a workaholic and enjoy it!. You will, however, resist being forced to do anything that doesn't interest you.

As a RED, you like to be right. You value approval from others for your intelligence and solution-based, pragmatic style. You want to be respected even more than you want to be loved, and you appreciate admiration for your logical, practical mind.


Reds Are:
…Action oriented, independent, confident, logical, and disciplined among other things.

I want your feedback

NDTC's 45th year - celebration

Jamaica's list of unmistakable talent is one which any small developing country would desire. However, since 1962, the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) under the guidance of Prof. Rex Nettleford, has taken dance to a "new level"

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this talented group of dancers on August 3 and they displayed an impressive arrangement of dances. The season with its usual opening in the Emancipendence period (August 1), highlights stories which are international but told in a uniquely Jamaican way. Prof Nettleford and his team of choreographers, dancers, singers and production team, lightens ones heart with song and dance.

I particularly like the "Crossing"; "Out of Many" and of course "Hill and Gully Ride"

The Crossing
It depicts the challenges of an American family with suffering, survival and separation; features music from one of America's greatest - Quincy Jones. The dancers inspired the set through dance-drama and the lighting was simply fabulous!

Out of Many
This piece was based on a quote from Nelson Mandela "Never again shall it be that this beautiful land shall ever experience oppression of one by another" - exhilarating it was and it will tease the minds of the young and free spirited (even at heart).

You know we can depend on the professor to end with a BANG and "Hill and Gully" shows the real Jamaican flavour. Choreographed by Chris Walker and accompanied by Marjorie Whylie and team...identified with taste, look and feel of the Jamaican.

So until August 12, if you are in Kingston, Jamaica and you wanna see the NDTC, it is at the little theatre, Tom Redcam Drive. Showtime is generally at 8:00 p.m.

"I will return as a dancer..."