Editorial | Find resources for G.C. Foster

The G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport is truly a Jamaican success story.

At age 42, this institution is poised to take on an even greater role in imparting technical and tactical knowledge, which are necessary ingredients in producing world-class coaches, not only in athletics, but in all other sports.

As it is now, an estimated 80 per cent of physical education teachers and coaches in the country are graduates of G.C. Foster College, named in honour of the formidable Gerald Claude Eugene Foster, sportsman par excellence, one who was home-grown and who became an athletic coach and cricket umpire.

In response to the demand, the college also provides short courses in subjects like weights training and massage therapy. There are even offerings to the community which can be taken up on weekends.

Jamaican athletes have captured the imagination of the world with their superb, sometimes stunning performances. Championship after championship, they have been powering through to great heights. It is their success on the international stage which has the world asking: What is it with these Jamaicans? Is it something they are eating? Is it the water?

Many believe the answer lies in the cultural tradition of a sports programme which begins at the very basic level of the education process, that is, from basic school culminating in the highly competitive Boys’ and Girls’ Championships for high schools.

NEW ERA

When Stephen Francis made the bold move of establishing his MVP (Maximizing Velocity and Power) Club in 2001, it signalled a new era when Jamaican athletes were assured that they could get adequate training here at home instead of trekking off to North America. Several other training facilities have been established since then, all producing good results.

Coaches in the region and athletes from afar have seen the value in Jamaican coaches and technical sporting institutions. At a recent inaugural Founder’s Day service, Principal Maurice Wilson set out his priorities which include achieving university status and having their pool commissioned into service. His five year-action plan will see the college charting new pathways, which include expansion in academic offerings, as well as growth in infrastructure.

G.C. Foster College also exerts tremendous influence on its tough St Catherine location and all over the country. Being part of the ‘Gloves for guns’ initiative, for example, demonstrated that the residential institution is interested in ways of steering at-risk youths from negative influences. It is well documented, the important ways in which sports can provide a platform for positive change in a community.

Being part of a sports programme can be very effective in helping young people acquire greater discipline, since they have to abide by the rules governing the game. They can also learn how to be better sportsmen and women.

The principals at G.C. Foster have been talking about expansion for a while. This project urgently needs to get going so it can fulfil its mandate and perhaps be replicated elsewhere in the country.

Ultimately, it is all about resources. The college has the potential to significantly raise its admission levels if there is the requisite accommodation for new entrants. As we acknowledge the great works of the G. C. Foster College, the challenge as we see it, is for the powers that be to put in the necessary resources to secure an even greater future.

When we consider what’s right with Jamaica, this institution is one that fits the bill.