Anguilla is benefitting from a Support Officer assigned to work with the island’s Commonwealth Games Association and the training of athletes. She is Aimee Maggiacomo whose services have been provided by the Commonwealth Games, Canada.
President of the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association, Kenn Banks, said the island was fortunate to be part of the development of Commonwealth Games Associations and that the Support Officer was assigned to Anguilla for eleven months. “She will work with the association to strengthen capacity in areas of marketing, communications, office governance, implementation of games, and the development and management of the software programme called Zeus Network,” Mr. Banks explained. He also said that Ms Maggiacomo would lead in the development of the national sports organisations.
Ms Maggiacomo, who holds a degree in Sports Management, has been in Anguilla since January 11. She spent the past few weeks familiarising herself with the island and its various sporting activities and facilities.
Mr. Banks said that her assignment in Anguilla was also supported by a grant which the Commonwealth Games Association received from the Commonwealth Federation. He explained that part of the funding was used to build the offices being used by the Association upstairs the pavilion at the Ronald Webster Park; assist national sports organistions to become affiliated; promote the Commonwealth Games; and to promote general games relationship matters. A part-time office administrator will be employed in the near future. He said the office accommodation for the Association was provided as a base for the national sports organisations as well as for the administrative staff directing the games.
Permanent Secretary responsible for Sports, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, placed on record the Ministry’s pleasure in being able to partner with the Commonwealth Games Association in Anguilla. She said the Ministry was happy to have been approached by the Association to assist with office space for its Secretariat.
She stated that the Ministry was happy to do so for several reasons. One was its belief that a partnership could assist greatly in the development of sports in Anguilla. Another reason was that, in looking at the strategic plans for sports, there was a need for a Secretariat to boost the morale of the Associations and to assist them greatly with their administration. She commended the association for quickly establishing the office and pledged the continued support of the Ministry and Department of Sports.
Director of Sports, Wilma Proctor, hoped that the Commonwealth Support Officer would see the difference between Canada and Anguilla in sports and culture. She said that the development of national sports organisations, which Ms Maggiacono was responsible for, was one of the key areas which the Sports Department had been struggling with. She hoped that this particular area would go smoothly.
Treasurer of the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association, Alkins Rogers, said the partnership between the island’s association and the Commonwealth Games Federation was a meaningful one for the youth of Anguilla. He disclosed that the renovation of the section of the pavilion building to provide office space and equipment had cost in the region of US$50,000. This was seen as a worthwhile expenditure for youth and sports development.
Deputy Director of Sports, Rollins Richardson, said that the Commonwealth Games in July 2014 would be held in Glasgow, Scotland and that Anguilla planned to send fourteen athletes. They are to represent such sporting activities as track and field, cycling, and, for the first time, table tennis. He added that although it was relatively early, the athletes were being well coached.
General Secretary, Althea Hodge, spoke to some extent on the Zeus programme, a web-based system which enables not only the Commonwealth Games Associations, but also Olympic Associations to manage information and data base. The programme will be a useful tool for athletes in Anguilla involved in the Commonwealth Games.Mrs. Hodge, who is conversant with the programme, having been trained in its usage, will be a key player in its operation by national sports organisations.
