Letters

The Editor, Sir:

The article 'Sports and schools in Jamaica' (August 22) touched on some poignant issues and put in mind the flood of reports, recently, regarding Merlene Ottey still competing at age 50. While I do not want to sound disparaging to this great Jamaican athlete, I could not escape asking the question: When does one hang up the spikes?

Our other distinguished females athletes (Deon Hemmings, Juliet Cuthbert and Grace Jackson) have made the successful transition from athletic performers to businesswomen. I cannot help but wonder if schooling (education) did not play a big part in them being able to do so. Of course, I am cognisant of the fact that it takes more than education for one to be successful in the business world.

There are those who are blessed with remarkable athletic skills, but this should only be stepping stones to catapult one into the next phase of their career.

In sports there is no certainty. It only takes one injury to end a sport career. A close friend of mine as well as a family member both experienced this. My young niece who was destined for a college scholarship in soccer and track had her dreams ended at age 14 because of knee injury. Luckily her mother had emphasised academics and today she is a graduate student.

Similar injury

My friend had a similar injury in the first week of practice on his football scholarship. His good academic performance led him to complete law school. More recently, a black football player from Florida State University opted to forego the NFL Draft so he could take up his Rhodes scholarship. He could have made millions of dollars in a short time and pursue his medical career later some critics opined, but this young man was looking at the bigger picture.

While principals and other school personnel should ensure that students put education ahead of sports, it is also the responsibility of parents to ensure the child is not putting all his/her eggs in one basket.

I am, etc.,

Y. CHELSIA ROSE-GREEN

rosebushricegrain@yahoo.com