Simon says UPP’s plans will take sports beyond the current condition of neglect and promises maintenance and funding

The United Progressive Party (UPP) will make serious investments in the sporting sector once it assumes public office, according to Kelvin “Shugy” Simon, its Candidate for St. Mary’s South.

Simon says that sporting facilities in the respective communities are in the worst condition in the country’s history.

Maintenance of these facilities – including simple upkeep, like cutting the grass – is lacking, he says, and what one sees now is utmost neglect.

Simon says the condition of the sporting facilities is a reflection of the incompetence of the Gaston Browne Administration.

The St. Mary’s South Candidate says the UPP is committed to taking sports beyond the current condition.  And to achieve this, it will allocate sufficient funding to upgrade and properly maintain all the facilities throughout the country.

Simon also references the development of a sports village in the vicinity of the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground and designed to Olympic standards.

Further, Simon says, the Party has plans to develop the drag-racing and rally track to international standards.

The UPP’s long-term plans include the development of sports tourism – to levels where viable job opportunities in coaching, physiotherapy, professional training and playing will be available to locals.

However, he notes that a reliable water supply would be needed to make Antigua and Barbuda the sporting capital of the region.

Comprehensive sponsorship and sports-for-all policies are also plans of the UPP, Simon says.