THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE 2003 TRACK & Field Championship for Prep Schools was held at the G.C. Foster College approximately one week ago and I would like to congratulate the organisers and sponsors. I would also like to congratulate the young participants for performing so well in spite of the odds.
I was inspired to be the female counterpart of Olympian and Physician Dr. Arthur Wint. The closest I got to this goal was to have Olympian Keith Gardiner as my coach for the 50 and 100 yard sprints when I was a student on the University of the West Indies track team; and I now work on Arthur Wint Drive as a paediatrician.
I had the honour of attending this year's Prep Schools Champs as the proud parent of two participants. As a former athlete, a parent, and a paediatrician I write to express my deep concern about the very poor infrastructure at the G. C. Foster College for an event of this nature. Apart from three gruelling days in the sun, the field was dotted with portable toilets most reeking with a foul odour heightened by the noon day sun. There was no running water for the children/users to wash their hands.
The inadequate seating facilities for spectators offered restricted viewing of events and one had to scramble for limited space on the ropes near the track.
I would like to suggest that we give our youngsters the best possible chance to achieve their goals. We have a responsibility to our future athletes. Can we work towards providing a more appropriate location for this event?
I am, etc.,
Dr. CHARMAINE SCOTT
bhc@n5.com.jm
Bustamante Hospital
