Legacy of the games (Karen Woods)
After watching the most amazing two weeks of breathtaking sporting and cultural achievement unfold before our eyes, we now have to approach our own political chambers and demand the halt and reversal of the Blueprint for Education’s proposal to reduce the amount of specialist PE in our primary schools from two to one session per week with the specialist PE teacher!
Surely this is in direct opposition to the proposals from Westminster whereby they are pledging two hours per week of specialist PE in primary schools as part of the “legacy of the games”.
We, in Shetland, already are in this enviable position and to take this away from our sports people of the future is a major backward step.
The legacy of any games (this includes our own Natwest Island Games 2005) is in the investment in the future. The beginnings of sporting achievement can only be ignited by talented, qualified sports specialists who are trained to spot, identify, mentor and encourage sporting talent at the earliest opportunity.
Our legacy to our bairns is to ensure that this is not taken from them in an attempt to save a few quid!
Let’s take this debate from behind the closed doors of the council chambers and insist we keep on investing in the future of Shetland sporting talent (undiscovered).
Don’t get me started on the withdrawal of certain music tuition in our schools as well.
Karen Woods
Gulberwick.
John Fraser
It is with delight that I have witnessed my bairns wax lyrical on the positive role models that they have enjoyed watching over these past weeks. I know that they have been inspired. They may never be a Jessica Ennis or a Chris Hoy and that does not matter as their involvement in sporting activities creates positive life habits, teaches discipline and teamwork, develops friendships and establishes a sense of belonging, pride and self esteem. Not to mention it is plain old fun. It is imperative that we capitalise on the Olympic feel good factor and create our own legacy. Dedicated and inspirational coaches and teachers are the foundation for this. I therefore echo the sentiments of Karen.
Harry Dent
Shame, then, that continuing and deepening local & national cuts mean these aspirations are unlikely to be realised.