Weekend boats or flights subsidy
‘STAG’ chairman Dave Piesing is eyeing his own solution to arguably the single biggest challenge facing CI sport – unearthing dependable, affordable and regular inter-island travel.
‘To take maximum advantage of vital inter-island sports competition, the facilitation of regular full day-return sailings to Jersey at weekends is a must,’ said the man who heads up the Sports Tourism Action Group.
‘Alternatively, if this proves impossible to deliver logistically, then consideration needs to be given to heavily subsidising flights to make sure that inter-island sport is restored to the levels of 20 years ago.
‘This may well be the cheaper and easier option to deliver,’ he added as part of his appraisal of the newly-launched ‘A Plan for Sport’ report.
Piesing sees a lot of good in the report as part of an improving relationship between sport and Education, Sport & Culture.
‘It is clear that the PE in Schools strategy by the Sports Commission is absolutely crucial and it is very heartening that the new Education, Sport & Culture committee are big supporters of this strategy after so many years of neglect.
‘All barriers or perceived barriers to participation in sport and physical activity must be constantly addressed. This has to be a proactive and well-supported partnership between the Sports Commission and the States.
‘Funding sports travel off the island is extremely important for our higher achievers in order to access higher levels of competition.
‘The high travel costs are making it prohibitive for many, especially for families with several high-performing children.
‘It is vital that funds are available for those who need it, within reason, and in my view a reasonable degree of means-testing should be applied.’
