Final in the World Karate Championship
England's L. Walters (L) vies with Russian A. Gueronov in the men's kumite +80 kg. final in the World Karate Championship at Ifema Pavillion in Madrid 24 November 2002. Walters won gold.
Serious sports participation is being facilitated for an increasing number of young professionals, the most recent being promising tennis player Mr. Nigel Mitten. A formal agreement was recently made between the player and the Ministry responsible for sports, with a contract signing and the first payment made towards his development.
The full-time sportsman has been allocated CI$20,000 annually for travel and participation in tournaments. Like others committed to the sport, Nigel follows a full-year schedule issued by International Tennis Federation. "I'm still trying to get my foot into the door, for I'm still outside the top 1,000-ranked players," said Nigel. He explained that during the past ten years there has been a surge of interest in tennis, with twice as many players competing, making it harder to break into the sport. "In order to go anywhere, a player has to preserve, compete rigorously, and win points in order to increase ranking, which in turn qualifies players for larger tournaments," he added.
Expressing his pleasure at this development, Dr. McField said, "This is not a reward for outstanding performance, but is more of a gesture of goodwill and appreciation for discipline, talent and determination. Neither can this be seen as a simple expenditure, for the funds provided will not only enhance his development as a tennis player and ambassador, but should also benefit other young people who can strive to emulate these qualities."
This sponsorship expands the support for talented and promising sportspersons.
Similar assistance is provided to athletes Kareem Streete-Thompson and Cydonie Mothersill, both of whom have recorded notable achievements this year.
Government grants have benefited a large number of events and individuals over the years. In addition, the Department of Youth and Sports provides trainers in the key sports of football, basketball, cricket and netball, while also catering to a wide variety of sports, especially through the public school system.
After being out of play for about six months with an injury, Nigel resumed competition mid-year. His goal is to play 60 to 80 tournament matches a year, and so far he is on track with some 40 events under his belt.
Though finished with the ITF circuit for the year he will be competing in the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) games, which will take place from 23rd November through 7th December.
Although the ITF is a worldwide circuit, Nigel prefers to remain within this region, concentrating his efforts in countries from the United States to Jamaica, Cuba and Mexico. His best result in recent times was when he made quarter finals at a tournament in Mexico this summer.
Nigel is confident of his future in tennis, especially with the assurance of government's support. "I appreciate what the Ministry has offered very much. They have told me what is expected of me as a role model, and I'll do my best to meet the challenge they've laid out for me," he said.
Permanent Secretary Carson Ebanks, JP said, "Nigel's achievements to date are very, very, impressive, especially because he reflects the sports and education balance that the ministry hopes that will be replicated by other athletes."
A former John A. Cumber Primary and Cayman Prep student, Nigel attended high school and university in the United States, graduating with a bachelors degree in business administration and a minor in economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
In addition to educational excellence, he also advocates national pride and support of all athletes. Nigel commented, "As a boy I would watch soccer matches in admiration, and I hope to share that same emotion in tennis." He recalls playing tennis from the age of five with family and friends, and over the years he admired professionals like Boris Becker and Pete Sampras. However, today he is out of the adulation stage, and trying to meet and compete with them as equals."
Nigel's prowess in tennis was recognised again in Cayman early this year when he participated in a professional exhibition hosted by the Ritz Carlton and attended by some of the top players in the world.
On the general development of the sport locally, Nigel said he looks forward to the time when the Cayman Islands can become part of the international circuit and host competitions such as the Davis Cup however, at least one more ranked player is necessary here for that to be realised.