Finding a Reason to Choose Sport

Fast forward to February 2024: Shamar Joseph is a regular in Guyana cricket’s First XI, has a new Cricket West Indies retainer contract, and has signed on to compete for Lucknow Super Giants at IPL 2024.

Oh, let’s not forget, he also sustained a serious toe injury in the 2nd Test, batting Down Under against the fierce Australians, where West Indies had not won a Test in 27 years. Yet he returned on the final day, unexpectedly, with a dose of painkillers for company, to rip apart the Aussies’ batting order and secure a historic share of the series, 1-1. What a story. That’s the power of sport.

So, for me, sitting in the third row at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad on Monday, February 26th, viewing the launch of the “I Choose Sport” Programme—an initiative of SporTT and the Ministry of Sport and Community Development—was a stark reminder of how many young people lack the opportunity, knowledge or confidence to embrace all that sport can offer.

From the outside, the sporting lifestyle looks chock full of fame and glamour. From the inside, it is life-changing: I’m living proof of this. So, I believe society should embrace every effort to connect our youth to sport.

Sport teaches teamwork, discipline, time management, hard work, and how to win humbly and lose gracefully. It helps build resilience and character. Sport helps us become more well-rounded, understand the importance of physical fitness, wellness and proper nutrition, and strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

In a nutshell, I Choose Sport, will encourage Trinidad and Tobago’s youth to embrace the opportunities afforded by sport. Sporting careers go far beyond the playing field, touching medicine and psychology, media, business, law, coaching, officiating, administration, marketing… I’ll use etc. here at the risk of running out of breath.

Taking some of the country’s top current and former athletes into schools—at all levels—and communities to connect with students and parents can inspire the next generation of elite sportsmen and women to strive to bring glory to Trinidad and Tobago and transform young lives or identify the next Shamar Joseph. It can be a game—and mindset—changer, even for those who never go beyond amateur or junior sport.

Sport can be a healing balm for crime by promoting positive activity and providing purpose; it can bring communities together in support of our youth and in celebration of their achievements. Sport is a vehicle that can drive social change, and, with the right inputs, can boost our economy in the years to come.

In short, sport can touch every aspect of our lives in a positive way. Just think about the pride we experienced watching West Indies—led by a certain Shamar Joseph—deliver a devastating

display of fast bowling against the Aussies in the 2nd Test, and simultaneously, a share of the series.

There’s a million reasons to choose sport. All you need to do is find one.