The Shadow Sports Minister Michael Weeks has released a statement regarding comments made by former Minister of Sports Wayne Scott.
Islandstats.com was not the source were the Former Minister made the comments and we can’t confirm that the Minister in fact made the comments, as the source in which reported the comments have in the pass been accused miss reporting facts.
The statement reads, “In light of former Sports Minister Wayne Scott's comments on Bermudian Olympic Athletes needing a "reality check," his transfer from the Youth and Sports Ministry will probably be welcomed by our local competitors. All too often Bermudians are told that they aren't good enough and Minister Scott's ridiculing the aspirations of our athletes does little to reverse the anti-Bermudian attitude emanating from some parts of our community. Our youth need to be encouraged to be the best, regardless of the odds and not told to settle for mediocrity by Bermuda's leaders and role models.
The PLP believes that every Bermudian who aspires to success should be encouraged, not discouraged and that sports plays a major role in teaching work ethic, character and cooperation to our young people. We believe that:
* Bermudian athletes should be encouraged to be the best and strive for the highest levels of success
* Sports be structured and facilities properly funded from as early in our children's lives as possible, to develop local talent, build world class levels of discipline, work ethic and competitive spirit in our youth
The PLP will continue to oppose the anti-Bermudian attitude of the OBA and stand up for our youth as we encourage our youth to be the best.
Often we hear comments from segments of the population that try to limit the ambition and achievements of Bermudians. We hope that comments of this nature do not follow Minister Scott from the Sports Ministry to the Education Ministry, and that he does not feel the need to discourage our students from international excellence.”
However in response, Minister Scott said, “This is clearly a political statement and not worth taking seriously.
“Anyone who actually read the original news story would know that Mr. Weeks’s characterization of it is not what was said, nor intended. As a former athlete who has actually represented my Country, my statement actually offered a pathway for excellence. I also acknowledged the extraordinary achievements that our athletes have made.
“If anything, Mr. Weeks’s statement highlights the difference between words that are used to move people forward and words that are used to play politics,” added Minister Scott.
|
