Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

At Your Serviceschools can be more focused in targeting to develop particular sport respectively.The sports schools were established to produce outstanding sportsmen andsportswomen. They will only cater to the highly talented few. When we considereducation for all, we must also look into providing sport opportunities for all aswell. Not all students are inclined to participate in competitive sports since not allare athletically-endowed. Schools therefore should focus on participation ratherthan competition. Intra and inter school sports is an example where opportunitiesfor those not participating in recognised sport could contribute and those withtalents could shine.For such opportunities to flourish theremust be emphasis in sports for all. Schoolcan be the vehicle to promote fun andenjoyment that enable students to developthe necessary skills to participate in sportsand physical activities.However, inadequate resources and facilities can impact sports programme forschools. As a result, students are less likely to participate in sports activities dueto these barriers and the lack of fun or enjoyment. Literature suggests that schoolsports programmes that are linked to a broader community engagement aremore likely to encourage continuing participation into adulthood. On 1 June 2009,the Ministry of Education set up a Sports Development Committee for Schools.Among its committee members are the Youth and Sports Ministry, National SportsAssociation, National Olympic Council and the National Sports Institute. Thiscollaborative effort is not new. Over the years the Ministry has always receivedsupport from these agencies.However, the School Sports Development Committee is set up to promote acomprehensive, flexible and coordinated sports programme across the entireschool environment. We realised that in order to make “sports for all” a success,cooperation from all quarters is an important factor. Local authorities that managesport venues and centres can play their part to allow students to fully utilise theirfacilities.Sports organisations and state associations can operate in tandem withschools to be actively involved at school level.150