Deeds are Mightier than Words [Archives:1999/33/Sports]

Jamal Al-Awadhi
Sports Editor

Put Yemen in your hearts and with your sense of patriotism you will cope with all the difficulties, changes and inefficiencies either technical or physical. With these beautiful words Mr. Abdulwahhab Raweh, Minister of Youth and Sports addressed the participating teams in the Al-Hussein Tournament. I do really hope that these words will have a strong impact on the performance of the Yemeni sports men who have just started their training for this tournament in clubs that lack the most basic requirements.
It is a fact that our players will face tough champions from different countries who train throughout the year by well-known coaches and in suitable conditions, whereas the Yemeni athlete faces a lot of difficulties and obstacles that usually have a negative effect on his performance. However, we believe that the Yemeni player is full of energy and enthusiasm that makes him deserve the attention and care by others. If he gets what is needed, he will do miracles. So what I recommend here is that the Ministry should adopt a constructive policy to provide these players with good coaches, modern equipment, and more financial support. For if this is done, the Yemeni player will be able to polish and manifest his skills and talents.
The dilemma of these players can be better seen and expressed if you just pay a visit to any club in any governorate of the Republic, which will give you a clear picture of the real situation of sports in our country. On the other hand, we do not deny that there are sparks of hope and changes in the sports conditions of our country. But, they are too slow.
Finally, I wish our participating teams the very best in this olympic tournament. I also request the Ministry of Youth and Sport to adopt the policy of less words and more deeds, as deeds are mightier and to have a better future for all.

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