On February 7, 2000 the initial phase of the Sabbatical Support Project
was implemented ed in Antananarivo Madagascar Africa. The program involved
more than ISO youth in Antananarivo and in addition to the sport segment,
three medical doctors, led by Pan American Games Champion Dr. Bill Hurd provided free eye
exams and eye operation to both youth and adults. More
than 1000 pair of eye glasses collected were distributed residents of
Madagascar.
Olympians involved in this phase of the Sabbatical Support Project
included: Lee Evans, Olympic Gold Medal Winner, Ron Freeman, Olympic
Gold Medal Winner, Irene Evens and Dr. Bill Hurd, Pan American Champion.
In addition Drs. Lawrence Madlock and Bernetta Davis Poole played a major
role in the medical segment of the project.
Track & Field Clinic
Approximately 150 youth, ages ranging from 8 years old to 23 years old,
participated in the Sabbatical Support Track Clinic, which was held at the
Antananarivo Track & FieId Stadium. During the course of the clinic
youth learned the art of sprinting, running drill form & techniques,
training drills, starting technique, stretching & strength exercises.
Discussions were also held with the group on topics such as: physical
fitness, life skills, education and how to get a college scholarship.
For many of the participants this was their first experience in
participating in a clinic of this type and there were many questions.
Clinician Irene Evans did an outstanding job coordinating all of the
sessions and translating for the group over the five days of the program.
Each participant was given a Sabbatical Support T-Shirt and a Medal of
Peace at the conclusion of the clinic. In addition, two full track
scholarships were given to athletes from Madagascar. One athlete has
already been selected and she will be attending Washington State
University after the Olympic games, The other scholarship is for a male
athlete who has not yet been selected.
Infrastructure of Madagascar Youth Sports Programs
During our tour we had the opportunity to visit and meet with
individuals and to discuss methods of enhancing and improving the
infrastructure of youth sports programs in Madagascar. Meetings and
discussions were held at the following offices and institutions:
At our meeting with Mr. Victor Randrianandrasana, the General Secretary
of UNESCO, we discussed our mission and he pointed out the needs of the
youth of Madagascar and stated that he was thankful that we were committed
to work with UNESCO to strengthen sports programs for youth in
Madagascar.
Our basic discussions with representatives from the University of
Madagascar, and the Sports Academy were in the areas of technical
assistance and ways to enhance their sports programs.
While each group indicated a need for equipment, books and training
materials, we discussed ways that the Sabbatical Support Project may be
able to support their efforts. We anticipate following up with each group.
In addition, we have referred the University of Madagascar to Stockton
State University in the U.S. for consideration in working with the
institution about meeting some of the needs.
The second clinic/seminar was also held at the American School in
Antananarivo and there were approximately 75-100 students present. During
the seminar Lee Evans and Ron Freeman talked about the importance of
physical fitness and how sports can enhance one's life and track &
field techniques. As a result, the students and the faculty of the
American School will be taking part in an email computer program with an
elementary school based in Baltimore, Maryland. The students at the
American School would like to share their experiences with students who are
in a very poor area of Baltimore. We feel that this could lead to a
possible exchange program.
Meetings with the President and Vice President of the NOC went very
well. Mr. Henri, (N.O.C. President) Lee Evans, Irene Evans and Ron Freeman
held a press conference (arranged by Mr. Henri) on the Sabbatical Support
Program that was televised throughout the country. Lee Evans talked about
the clinic program and the goals while Ron Freeman talked about the goals
of the Sabbatical Support Program and the mission of UNESCO in implementing
this program. We also discussed the support of the I.O.C.
and the N.O.C. of Madagascar. Several newspaper articles were printed
throughout our visit.
Mr. Roger Henri, made a request of the International Medallist
Association to support the youth of the county by providing stopwatches for
all of the schools in Madagascar, and arrange to outfit the Olympic Team.
We have since found a sponsor to fund Olympic Uniforms and Pins for the
Madagascar Olympic Team.
The medical team, which was led, by Pan American Games Champion Dr.
Hurd, Drs. Davis Poole and Madlock performed hundreds of eye exams and eye
operations throughout Madagascar. More than 1000 pair of eyeglasses were
also distributed to residents of Madagascar.
USAID and the U.S. Embassy also supported this project. Ms. Karen Poe
of USIAD made two very nice residences available for the Olympians and
Doctors and U.S. Ambassador; Mine. Shirley Barnes supported the project
with transportation.
The program ended by Mme. Shirley Barnes, U.S. Ambassador hosting a
reception at her home for the Olympians, Doctors and invited guest. At that
time, l.M.A. presented medals, t-shirts and basketballs to the various
sports organization on behalf of the UNESCO Sabbatical Support Program.
As a result of this project the International Medallist Association in
conjunction with UNESCO will support Madagascar in enhancing its sports
infrastructure, by providing technical assistance and other support in the
areas of sports development and procurement.
