Mr Cardigan Connor, candidate for the Anguilla United Movement in District 7, has outlined what he sees as his role if elected to be a member of the Government formed by that party. Here is what he said in part:
Fellow Anguillians I want talk to you about how I see myself playing a role within the next AUF government calling on all the experience that I have gained regionally and internationally as an athlete and as an ambassador with the objective of improving the outlook of the lives of the youth of our Island through their participation in sports.
Youth sports have steadily been on the rise for the past 20 years. Many of our children across our Island take part in sporting disciplines throughout the year. It is not uncommon for children to start participating in sports from the early ages of 4 or 5.
Based on the amount of time that children spend participating in sports, it is critically important that they are provided with an experience that offers them many benefits.
The responsibility generally falls on the shoulders of parents and coaches that often volunteer their time to work with these young athletes, but it is government that should take the lead role in youth sports.
When an athlete participates in a sport they will experience many benefits. Some of these will be short term and easily recognized. While others will not so easily be recognized but will last much longer with the athlete and will help to shape their overall development.
Some of the benefits include:
1. Developing and becoming proficient at various sports skills
2. Developing skills needed to socialize with their peers as well as adults.
3. Developing independence and confidence
4. Developing a sense of achievement which helps to develop a positive self-image.
5. Developing leadership skills and qualities.
6. Learning how to co-operate and compete.
7. Developing agility, Co-ordination, Endurance, Flexibility, Speed and Strength.
8. Developing the ability to make decisions and accept responsibility.
9. Learning to understand and express emotions, Imagination and appreciation for what the body can do.
10. Developing an interest in continuing sports participation as an adult. Which leads us into a greater sense of national pride and Sports Tourism.
Sports tourism is the number 1 to many economies the world over. You see it in the bidding, promotion and advertisement in World Cup Football, Cricket, Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, summer and Winter Olympics and Boxing.
As a holiday destination we boast in Anguilla to have some of the best beaches in the world, best restaurants but it is the people of Anguilla that matters most. Through sports our young men and women can be afforded the opportunity of a career in sports or a sports scholarship to pursue the career of their dreams.
I appeal to the electorate of district 7 to elect me as your representative in the Anguilla general election in 2015 and give our youth a chance.
