Grange: Do something more meaningful for athletes

Former Minister of Sports Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange has described as tokenism the government’s plans to celebrate the achievements of the country’s athletes during the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics.

Grange notes that while it is important to honour the Olympians, the budgeted $57 million could have been spent on something that will hold more meaning for the athletes.

She believes the money would be better spent to assist the athletes in their educational pursuits, for housing or infrastructure development in their communities.

Of the $57 million budgeted for the celebrations, $20 million is expected to come from the private sector.

The Ministry of Sports has also disclosed that the athletes and officials will receive cash awards ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.

In making this announcement Wednesday, the minister with responsibility for sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, said a series of events are to be held to recognize the athletes.

They include a church service, a cocktail reception hosted by the prime minister and a concert at the National Arena on Monday, October 15.

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