By Hon. Kelvin Simon
As the 2025 Budget presentation approaches, I am calling for greater investment in sports—a vital tool for the development of our youth and communities. Sports offer more than just recreation; they create pathways for personal growth, foster community unity, and drive economic advancement. Having proudly represented our nation in basketball, cricket, and football, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports and the boundless opportunities they provide, particularly for our young people.
It is deeply concerning that sports were not even mentioned in last year’s National Budget—an unacceptable action by the government. This neglect has been felt in communities like Bolans, where the local playfield has been rendered unusable due to an incomplete stadium seat construction project. The construction has encroached on the cricket field boundary, preventing matches from being held and stifling the growth of local sports.
I urge the government to prioritize sports infrastructure and programs in the upcoming Budget and I will be listening intently. Without proper funding and attention, we risk denying our youth and communities the immense benefits that sports can provide.
Here are some of the key benefits of investing in community playing fields:
1. Youth Development
Playing fields are essential for nurturing young talent. They provide safe spaces for children and teenagers to practice, compete, and grow as athletes. Beyond skill-building, sports teach valuable life lessons in teamwork, discipline, time management, and perseverance—traits that contribute to personal success in any field.
2. Community Cohesion
Sports have the power to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride. Community events, matches, and tournaments create bonds among residents, promote healthy lifestyles, and encourage volunteerism and mentorship. Playing fields act as hubs for these activities, strengthening the social fabric of neighborhoods.
3. Health and Wellness
Accessible playfields encourage physical activity, combating sedentary lifestyles and associated health issues like obesity and diabetes. Regular participation in sports promotes mental well-being by reducing stress, boosting confidence, and enhancing focus.
4. Economic Opportunities
Community playfields can spur economic activity by hosting local tournaments, attracting sponsors, and creating jobs in facility maintenance and event management. Moreover, they serve as stepping stones for athletes who go on to represent their communities on regional, national, or international stages, generating pride and economic returns.
5. Talent Development for National Representation
Many of our greatest athletes began their journeys on community fields. These spaces are where talent is discovered, nurtured, and prepared for national and international competitions. Without functional facilities, we risk losing a generation of potential stars who could bring glory to our nation.
The Way Forward
The Bolans playfield is a microcosm of a broader issue: the neglect of sports infrastructure. To truly support the development of our youth and communities, we must:
•Prioritize funding for sports in the national budget to upgrade and maintain community fields.
•Establish accountability with firm timelines for completing stalled projects like the Bolans stadium seating.
•Engage local stakeholders in discussions about the use and management of sports facilities.
•Invest in grassroots programs that utilize these spaces to nurture young athletes.
Community playfields are not just patches of grass—they are arenas of dreams, hope, and development. Let’s ensure they are treated with the respect and investment they deserve to unlock the full potential of our youth and communities.
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The Most Honourable Kelvin Shugy Simon is onto something very important here. Our youth need an outlet to release their pent-up energy, and sporting activities has always been the key to comradeship and relying on one another in a positive manner.
Keeping sporting venues and playing fields in good order and conditions.
For example, in the United Kingdom over the last 2-3 decades the local authorities and both political parties have been selling up their playing fields, and now fast forward to 2024, and the world has witnessed a high crime waves and riots up and down the UK. Fact!
Keeping our own sporting facilities up-to-date is of paramount importance for today’s teenagers that need a positive outlet.
Well said Mr Simon … a future UPP leader in the making.
UPP’S future is in good hands!
Hip, hip … 🟨🟦🟨🟦🟨🟦
SHUGY save your comments for the budget debate. You so eloquent when someone writing articles for you but never debated for more then 15 minutes in the parliament. God forbid the likes of you ever get into government. I notice that your so-called letters have been appearing with increasing regularity. Hope ANR charges you handsomely.
This makes no sense if the clubs that use the fields take control bc they say they have to maintain them , look at the one in Barnes hill, there’s a lock on the gate when the club isn’t using it, I do understand bc people are breaking in the room etc… BUT PLEASE IF THE CHILDREN ARE NOT PART OF THE these CLUDS , where should they Go?…
Him again! With another of his AI productions. Go practise with your even dumber Brixtonian so that you might sound post-secondary during your parliamentary debate. You are not a juvenile, though you sound very much like one!
Another DUNCE element of UPP. Never debated in Parliament but reading a speech someone wrote for Him. SHUGY you are an AWFUL Person.
I am amazed that less than 24 hours before the budget debate. Shugy issues a statement not written by him and one he probably hasnt even read! Shugy go read a book. You have 1.5 hours to speak on any topic you like during the budget so zip it! Furthermore, your so called release is coming when the budget has already been prepared and is due to be delivered. ONE MUST GUARD FROM BEING OVER EXPOSED. This is what your 5 statement in as many days? Boy jus hush.
Budget presentation done ready….well put together . So we don’t to worry about Shugy this around.
The situation in Bolans is a clear example of how neglect can impact local communities. An unusable playfield means kids don’t have a safe space to play, and that can really stifle their passion and talent. It’s time for the government to recognize the importance of sports, not just for recreation, but for fostering a sense of belonging and promoting economic growth. We need to advocate for proper investment to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to support young athletes.