Objective 5

Contribution of sports to the development in a country

Sport is a game, a competition or an activity needing physical effort/ physical
exertion and skill that is played or done according to rules for enjoyment and/ or as
a job. Examples include Cricket, Track and field, Volleyball, Netball

How can sports contribute to the development of a country?

Generation of income by sports
Sports can generate income in a country by the hosting of mega sporting events
such as cricket test matches such as CPL, 1-day-internationals, regional cricket
matches, CARIFTA, Tennis tournaments, golf. The country will get income from ticket
sales to the respective venules. Vendors around the venues would also get money
as people buy things. The accommodation and transport sectors get money when
people stay at hotels, go to restaurants and small shops, get taxis, public transport
etc. As people come into watch sporting events they will also spend time visiting
the historic sites. The government will also get revenue from departure tax. Shops
and malls also benefit as people buy souvenirs to take back to their homes.

Another way which income can be generated from sports is by large salaries and
endorsement contracts of athletes. These athletes are then taxed by government.
Persons who are involved in sports such as managers, medical personnel, personal
trainers, security and other support staff are contracted by athletes who pay them
to do such

Health and fitness

The most chronic diseases globally include cancer, diabetes, stroke, coronary heart
disease, hypertension among others. The WHO has stated that these chronic
diseases have placed a burden on these countries financial resources. Therefore we
need to ensure that we keep fit and healthy to contribute to development of the
country. To keep away these diseases we should:
1. Eat healthy
2. Refrain from tobacco use
3. Engage in physical activities (this is the least expensive preventative
medicine to combat these diseases).
Health care cost would be reduced and productivity increased to contribute to the
development of the country.
NB: when persons in a society are healthy the GDP, GNP, per capita income and
productivity will see tremendous improvement

Educational Opportunities
Sports can be used for higher education through scholarships and bursaries offered
locally at the UWI, University of technology as well as colleges in North America.
These opportunities will help with social upward mobility, income, and lead to world
fame and status. The educational opportunities that are accessed through this
mean can result in development for the Caribbean. When these athletes return
home they will add to the cadre of the professional talent in the particular discipline.
The UWI are offering degrees in sports medicine.
The setting up of active sports programmes to the cater to needs of at risk youth.
This stops them from hanging out of the block, and other unhealthy practices by
learning marketable skills. The BDF sports programme is an example.

Development of Caribbean identity

Success at competitive sorts in the region is seen as a means towards achieving a
common feeling of Caribbean identity. For example, cricket has been able to achieve
a common feeling of Caribbean identity among Caribbean people well we rally
around the West Indies team because the players are drawn from almost every
country in the Caribbean.
Success of Caribbean athletes in track and field events as been a source of pride for
the region. These examples include

Karani James of Grenada who is the current Olympic champion in 400 metres.
Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis was one time the world champion of 100m
in 2007
Richard Thompson in tt who has the silver medals in 100
Obadele Thompson has the bronze in 100m in Olympics in Sydney

International Recognition
Top class, top quality performances by individuals or teams in their respective
sports. Usain Bolt, Sir Garfield Sobers, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle. These individuals
have used their popularity to advance development in various ways such as
charitable organisations in order to help less fortunate individuals. They have also
been appointed as good will ambassadors for the UN to support various projects
across the world. Their mass appeal helps to motivate people in approving their own
lives and those of fellow citizens

Discipline and Moral in Sports

Sports have been long promoted as having character building potentials for
individuals depending on how they approach and build the game. Some of the
qualities that one would develop would be loyalty to school and sport, dedication,

team spirit, humility, discipline, fair play, endurance, tolerance and peaceable
coexistence. There should be no winning AT ALL COSTS because it can encourage
dishonest practices such as taking illegal substances or engaging in tactics to
destabilize your competitor. Do not allow the lure of riches to transcend moral
principles.

Sports tourism
This has become a rapidly growing subsector within the traditional tourism product.
Persons travel to participate or observe sporting activities; some persons also visit
Halls of Fame and Sports Museum such as the Legends of Barbados Cricket
Museum. Sports tourism has contributed to the marketing of the region as a tourist
destination. It also give heightened media coverage for the particular territory e.g.
Gold Cup is shown in North America. The races are not only televised but the
countries culture is also shown. Sports tourism provides competition for our local
athletes such as the annual road races (10K and marathon sponsored by BTA) in
Barbados. Sports tourism contributes significantly to the generation of income in
the particular country.

Challenges to sport development

Lack of funding
Lack of interest
Lack of adequate facilities
Athletes dont get to make it to developmental leagues

Social justice
Integration
Globalization and development
Institutions
Locational definition of Caribbean