Government Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Young Athletes

An image featuring the Minister of Sports, Kaschaka Cupid. This image was obtained from the API.

By S.Browne. Updated 4:38 p.m., Friday, January 16, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Minister of Sports, Kaschaka Cupid, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting young athletes across the nation at the recent opening of the Sans Souci Netball Tournament, noting ongoing efforts to improve sporting facilities and infrastructure nationwide.

He outlined plans to enhance sporting infrastructure across the country, including the installation of lighting at community facilities to allow for greater access and evening training.

“Our mandate is to ensure we have the National Athlete Programme, which is by extension a pledge to our young athletes. It’s important for us to ensure that our young athletes are provided with opportunities to access facilities where they can express themselves, especially when they’re very talented at a young age,” Cupid explained.

Also addressing the gathering, Area Representative for South Central Windward, Minister of Agriculture Israel Bruce, encouraged athletes to see sport as more than recreation, but as a pathway to national and international opportunities.

Bruce stated, “Do not just let your netball be a pastime. There are opportunities in netball the world afar. Dream big. So, beyond San Souci, you must now think of being selected to the National Netball Team. Beyond the National Netball Team, you must think of becoming part of the regional process and to participate on the international stage and earn yourselves the world-class recognition that you can.”

He also highlighted the role of sport in developing life skills among young people, noting that discipline, teamwork, respect for officials, and time management are essential qualities fostered through organised sporting activities.

The Sans Souci Netball Tournament, now in its third year, provides young athletes with opportunities to compete, develop their skills, and gain exposure. The tournament fosters participation, encourages discipline and teamwork, and gives players a platform that could lead to selection at regional and national levels.

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