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by pltm
(PLTM) - Last week, after star athlete Kyron McMaster returned home, the Government presented him with a cheque of $38,000 as a reward for winning Gold at both the Commonwealth Games and the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Championships.
During the press conference dedicated to his return, Minister of Sports Hon. Sharie de Castro revealed that her discussions with McMaster have changed her perspective about sports in the Territory, and how its development should be fostered.
She again pledged the Government of National Unity’s dedication to enhancing sport in the Virgin Islands.
“We made a commitment to have those hard conversations to see what we as a government need to do to support the development of all sports in the Territory. We are not just talking about athletics, but we are speaking about every single sport, so that we can have equity and equality across the board, and ensure that our athletes get what they deserve.”
Hon. de Castro also noted that “I want to share my commitment publicly, that as the Government of National Unity, we have already started the conversation, and we are going to make a firm commitment to ensure that we create the requisite policies to support our athletes - not just financially.”
She explained that the athletes expressed that government’s support should take on a more holistic approach and as a result, government is working to ensure that progress is made in this area “in very short order”.
McMaster, who has been lauded as a true Virgin Islands hero, has also made a commitment to act as a mentor to younger athletes in the Territory. This commitment entails teaching athletes about his personal journey and the process of becoming a successful athlete that will aid in their development.
