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PANJIM: A robust ‘grassroots’ development programme promoting physical and mental health, social inclusion, inclusivity, fostering talent from ground up with focus on participation is the core pillar for ultimately transforming India into a global sporting powerhouse, as per the National Sports Policy 2025, stated Jovito Lopes, accredited senior journalist and former sports administrator at the annual general body meeting (AGM) of Goa Olympic Association (GOA), here, recently.
Grassroots forms the bedrock of sports development, nurturing future sports stars. It should be so designed by experts that ultimately it serves as a pipeline for professional sports. That apart, it is the key to a healthier and more inclusive future. Consequently, it must focus on participation and not competition, with emphasis on fun, skill development and teamwork. One needs to develop a capacity building training programme, effectively implement it, monitor it and evaluate it periodically, emphasised Lopes.
Grassroots is not only about sports. It is also about building a stronger, more inclusive community. It is about creating a better future for everyone involved in it. It is a community based programme wherein space is created for the local talent to be nurtured and where future leaders emerge. The grassroot initiatives, which must be innovative and sustainable call for creating a robust support system, it was stressed.
Grassroots models must provide opportunities for physical activity, skill development, cultivation of essential life-skills like teamwork, discipline, resilience. One must remember that the programme forms the foundation for a thriving sports ecosystem and contributes to individual and community development. Consequently, one needs to create an environment where youngsters can thrive and develop their love for sport, stated Lopes, adding that the programme must promote inclusion, participation and athletic development.
The participants were reminded of an African proverb: “If you wish to move mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting stones today.” The emphasis is on the importance of incremental progress and preparation in achieving large, ambitious, challenging goals. One needs to consider that seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished by breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps to achieve the larger goal, it was explained.
The need for preparation with adequate finances, facilities, partnerships and perseverance was highlighted as the pre-requisites for building the foundation and momentum needed to tackle the larger challenge. The setting up of Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) with an annual budget of Rs 5 crore (presently Rs 6 crore), by late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar exclusively for football grassroots was shared as one of the case in point. There are some academies in football being run by private clubs in the State.
The GFDC grassroots project, extending from Pernem to Canacona, was a grand success, especially in the remote, rural areas, what with a football academy being set up later in Margao due to the vision of its founder chairman Dr Rufino Monteiro, secretary Elvis Gomes and committee members. Technical Director Ketz Naidu from South Africa was the chief catalyst. As of now, there are 36 centers catering to boys and girls, with Francis Roncon, Football Development Officer, looking after the activities. However, there is no chairman for the past two years, no technical director, who is the fulcrum of the technical logistics, and no academy in Margao (closed following Covid-19 epidemic). The last chairman Brahmanand Sancoalcar’s efforts to restart the academy at Tuem and newly built Tollecanto-Velim stadium proved fruitless even as the massive structure remains closed after it was officially inaugurated.
The programme concluded with a Q & A session in which Chetan Kawlekar and Sandeep Heble were prominent. The need to appoint physical education or sports teachers in the primary schools was raised, much more so as the NEP highlights the need to integrate sports into the school curriculum, establishing district-level sports schools, nurturing talent at grassroot level.
Gurudatta Bhakta, GOA secretary welcomed. Union Minister of State for Power, New and Renewable Energy of India, Shripad Naik presented a memento to Lopes. The programme was held under the aegis of Civitas with Treasurer Felicio Fernandes being the coordinator.