Long-Term Athlete Development Symposium for June 17 – 18

By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, June 17, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission will be hosting a Long-Term Athlete Development Symposium from June 17 – 18, under the patronage of the Minister with responsibility for sports, Rachel Taylor.

The symposium will be geared towards seeking funding and creating awareness for podium athletes who are looking to represent the TCI at an international level.

In speaking during an interview on the event, Deputy Director of the TCI’s Sports Commission, Alvin Parker, said the event is aimed at helping federations to have a better understanding of how to fulfil the mandates of the international sporting governing body.

“The aim of the symposium is to continue to grow federations and give them the support and guidance they need to reach or achieve mandates set out by the international body,” said Parker.

The Director noted that the initiative will be three-phased and target a range of entities and individuals.

“During the symposium we have three phases, where we will be targeting national federations, and also potential sponsors because we’re launching an athlete development fund,” said Parker.

He added that the symposium will be targeting parents of athletes and aspiring athletes because they “play a very key role in helping the athletes to stay focused and provide them with food and nutrition that they need to be the best they can be.”

Parker also encouraged businesses in the TCI that want to donate to the long-term development fund to do so. He said the funds will be used to develop athletes in the TCI by providing amenities such as long-term training, nutrition, travelling costs and promoting the athletes.

The two-day event starts at 9 o’clock and will feature a range of discussions and insights about the sports industry holistically and in the TCI. The event will also feature discussions from the former Director of the National Olympic Academy of Barbados, Dave Farmer, and Professor of the Emeritus School of Human Kinetics.

The Long-Term Athlete Development Symposium will be held at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre and streamed online at TCI’s Sports Commission Facebook page.