Towards a National Sports Policy for St. Kitts and Nevis

Seeking UNESCO’s support, the Ministry of Sports and the St. Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO proposes here below outlined project under the Participation Programme in its 2018 – 2019 biennium, in order to complement and to add value to UNESCO’s current assistance to the country, and to the interventions supported by its regular budget.

This assistance will allow the Government to ultimately design, establish and implement a National Sport Policy, with the aim of mobilizing sport activities as a means of engaging with our athletes in all areas of recreational sports. Special attention will be given to young men and women, supporting them in absenting from violent and destructive behaviour, by proposing constructive and meaningful athletic activities devoid of doping substances. In addition, the Government views the introduction of structured sport development and policies as part of its contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (in accordance with the KAP, 1.1), in the country’s capacity of being a small island developing state (SIDS).

Objectives:

The Sports Policy document, and the procedures and strategic plan that will be followed to implement a comprehensive and inclusive National Sport programme, will aim to fulfil the folowing:

. Promote equity and inclusivity regarding the accessibility of sport practice, with special attention given to girls and women, and people with disabilities and other marginalized groups;

. Ensure the quality of and equality within physical education programmes;

. Highlight the values of fair play, participation and skills development as opposed to competitive success;

. Foster anti-doping values and promote the integrity of sport;

. Ensure that sport activities are included as a compulsory component of the curriculumn in all schools and nation-wide;

. Ensure the safety of students, staff and volunteers involved i school related sporting activities;

. Highlight support provided for representative levels of sporting achievement.