Island sport unites against funding cuts
Wednesday 1st February 2012, 2:57PM GMT.
Jersey Sports Council chairman Hugh Raymond is hoping that the decision is not final
Sports officials have reacted with disbelief at proposed States funding cuts which could seriously jeopardise the development and pursuit of some sports.
But Education Minister Pat Ryan said today that he was ‘surprised’ to inherit the decision made last year. He said that he shared the concerns of the sports community, but needed to find out what lay behind the decision.
Jersey Sports Council chairman Hugh Raymond, who met Deputy Ryan yesterday to discuss the proposal to reduce grants from £178,000 to £38,000 for 2012, said that he and others hoped the decision was not final.
‘We are attempting to clarify the situation and find out whether the cuts will be as reported,’ he said. ‘I am pleased that the Minister is taking this seriously and is prepared to talk.’
Jackie Nelson, chairwoman of the Jersey Netball Association, Chris Scott, chairman of the Jersey Rugby Association, and Island Games flag-bearer and senior figure in the Island’s swimming community Neil Faudemer are among others who have expressed concern about the potential implications of the proposed cuts.
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Oh come on if we’re going to make cuts anywhere it should be on the nice to have’s not must haves. Sport is I’m afraid not an essential, let the parents make up the shortfall I don’t want my taxes spent on sport. I’d rather any available money was spent on healthcare, lets see keeping people alive V kids playing sport, it’s a no brainer
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What a stupid comment! If more people engaged in sport, from a young age, we wouldn’t need to spend so much on healthcare (which would more accurately be called: “Sickness Care”). Yes, Mr Tough, sport is the best form of healthcare there is.
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About time someone stopped all this money going into the pockets of so called “sports people”.
The jersey sports council have done nothing for the many small clubs that operate in jersey and only look after there own elite minority.
Considering the jersey rugby squad have so many professionals playing, and get paid for each match why should taxpayers money support them?
Well done deputy Ryan about time a states member showed some back bone.
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Couldn’t agree more Blade. It feels like I’m the lone voice on here with regard to the Jersey Rugby Club, so it’s nice to hear that I’m not the only one who feels like that.
I have actually benefitted in the past from States assistance for my sporting hobbies, and am grateful for that assistance, but I completely understand why the funding has been radically cut in today’s financial climate.
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The year that the UK host the Olympics, you couldn’t make this stuff up.
They wonder why kids are getting fatter, lazier and less enthused about sport.
No trips away to represent the Island, new equipment, premises refurbs and new training methods etc.
It makes you wonder.
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How did we all manage to keep slim and fit in the 50′s and 60′s when all these sports finances, equipment and premises were not available?
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They could always do what people used to do before government handouts – get some plans together to raise money for their sport!
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Really dont understand we waste 10 million on a park that was not needed and when it comes to something that is of great importance to the people of Jersey we cut its funding, Thsi goverment really is the worse this island has ever had, Walker took a lot of stick over the years but at least he was dedicated to serving the Islanders.
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Why do they expect to use taxpayer’s hard earned money to send people abroad to compete in what is a hobby which will not benefit the general public in any way and is of no great importance whatsoever?
Let them use their own money if they wish to pursue their hobby, but none of my taxes.
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It is all about at what leval and age the funding goes to.
If it is to put young people say at primary school age onto the road of a healthy sporting life then fine, or some one that is in the international arena at early age fine, as we all know from a certain age onwards they have already made minds up whether sport is for them, as long as you provide facilities so people can exercise great,but if it is for people that are of a working age and doing sport for their on enjoyment and social life then they should fund their own or find sponsorship them selves if they are that good they will find it i am sure.
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Precisely
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