Government and Opposition Cooperate in 2013 Year of Sports Project

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Monday, 31 December 2012 02:30

By press release

Antigua St. John's - Senator Winston Williams Jr., acting Minister of Education, Sports, Youth and Gender Affairs met with the Leader of the Opposition, Gaston Browne to engage his support and that of his fellow Parliamentarians for the Year of Sports Events which will be held in 2013 under the theme ‘Keep Moving’.

In the meeting between both Parliamentarians, there was agreement that there should be a united approach to addressing the negative impact that non communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease were having on the general well being of the nation.

 It was also agreed that one of the simplest approaches to tackling these lifestyle diseases would be to encourage all residents to increase their level of physical fitness through sports and recreation.  

The discussions also centred on the Parliamentarians Relay for which the Leader of the Opposition gave his commitment to not only become personally involved but to also encourage his colleague parliamentarians to support the initiative.

Senator Williams thanked the Opposition Leader for his support and gave a brief synopsis of the other activities which will be held throughout the year of celebrations. The events which will cater to the entire spectrum of residents will include Cadet Games, Ministry Games, Parish Relay and Health Screening Clinics among others.

Both leaders also spent some time discussing mechanisms for engaging greater youth support and empowerment with the Acting Minister of Education and Youth giving a commitment to continue discussions in the near future.

The Parliamentarian’s Relay calls for all Members of Parliament to lead by example in choosing healthy lifestyle choices and to fight diabetes and other lifestyle diseases by promoting sports and recreational events within their communities.

The Relay will mark the first in a series of events for the 2013 Year of Sports which will span across all twelve months of the year.

Also present at the meeting were Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Sports, Mr. Jessel Edwards and Special Projects Coordinator, Mrs. Anne Jonas.

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