Munroe stresses need for better investment in sport

It is no secret that funding is the key to success in most sports. While money doesn’t necessarily drive an individual athlete’s performance, funding can provide a more conducive environment for success, with amenities like better training, care and facilities.
President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Godfrey Munroe, share a similar sentiment as he expressed his belief that sport requires a lot more investments.
“I want to say, in a Guyana context (that), seriously, sporting wise, we really got to look at how investment is made in sports. In terms of giving our athletes the best chance to succeed, I think that requires a lot of financial input and strategising. A lot of times the blame is cast, but there’s limited finances to deal with,” Munroe shared earlier this week.

In the current sport climate especially, where a number of sport disciplines are aiming at Olympic Qualification, Munroe highlighted that in order to reap rewards, such investments need to be made with regard to preparation.
He explained, “If we’re speaking about Olympic Qualification and Olympic medals, some studies would prove that it comes at a cost. You have to really start looking at the key structures and systems.”
Munroe shared that while the team in Argentina would have been working towards Olympic Qualification, the drawback of bettering their world rankings is still a positive outcome from the tournament.
“In terms of expectations, you know, again, we’re coming against higher-financed teams, so one must be realistic; but we must be optimistic,” the GTTA President commented.
He added optimistically, “I believe us stepping out in this regard would help us to position our teams, because a lot of times, for the games that would be held in the future, like the Commonwealth Games and the Islamic Games and other key games that are scheduled for later in the year, and the World Championships, more than likely they will not be able to host qualification events. So, what will happen is that they will use world ranking provisions; so, I think this will help us also to position ourselves.”
Nonetheless, Munroe is proud of the team’s decision to represent the Golden Arrowhead this week. “But, over all, I want to give the players a pat on the shoulder for showing their resilience and showing that commitment to going out and representing their country,” Munroe stated.
After a dismal run in the Singles Division of the Latin American Olympic Qualifiers in Argentina, the team will be rooting for Chelsea Edghill and Shemar Britton, who will team up for the Mixed Doubles competition on Saturday.