Sport and the Environment Billboards at Arnos Vale

The Arnos Vale Sports Complex is now the leading sports venue in the Caribbean in terms of its commitment to the International Olympic Movement’s initiatives on sport and the environment.

On Tuesday 12 January 2010 the National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Council (NSC) continued their collaboration in the broader national sports development process with the mounting of two billboards at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex highlighting sport and the environment.

Chairman of the Sport and the Environment Commission of the National Olympic Academy (the educational arm of the NOC), Nigel Weekes, told the media at the ceremony to mount the two billboards, that the organisation has joined the international community in its commitment to what is now its primary theme, ‘The Greening’, as it relates to sport and sport venues. He noted that the programme started with the planting of trees at Arnos Vale #1 two years ago. This was followed by the planting of some more trees on the fringes of Arnos Vale # 2. “The billboards are part of the ongoing beautification of Arnos Vale by sensitising users of the facilities of the importance of ensuring that the environment is protected and maintained at all times.

Weeks stated that several other playing fields have been earmarked for billboards under the Commission’s programme but that Arnos Vale, being the premier sporting facility in the nation, will receive immediate attention so that by the time the international cricket comes to the venue later in the year the impact will resonate globally,

President of the NOC, Trevor Bailey, commended the Sport and Environment Commission and the NOA for their excellent work in promoting awareness of the environment amongst the Vincentian sporting community. He stated that the NOC remains committed to all aspects of the national sport development proves and is pleased to partner with the NSC in this and other undertakings.

Chairman of the NSC, Carlton ‘Teddy’ James, expressed his organisation’s satisfaction with the fruits of the partnership with the NOC thus far and the impressive work done under the Sport and the Environment segment of the latter organisation.

The Sport and the Environment Commission is already involved in an innovative programme with schools in North Leeward, Central Leeward and North Central Windward. The schools programme will be significantly expanded during 2010.