I refer to your article in your sports section dated 2008.07.09 “Kwakwani High destroys St.Rose’s 65-19”.

May I make it very clear that the school did not grant approval to the association for a team to participate in the National Schools Basketball Competition.

I personally called Mr. Chris Bowman indicating that the school will not participate in the competition because of a myriad of issues facing the group of students who would normally represent the school. Mr. Bowman however granted approval to the students against the schools’ disapproval.

A telephone call was later made to Mr. Bowman after hearing of St. Rose’s participation in this competition and he stated “nothing can be undone….they have already participated”. Does Mr. Bowman have the authority to overrule a school’s decision in the participation of a National School Basketball competition when a permission slip was sent requesting consent?

Mr. Bowman is of the view that it is important to showcase the “youth skills” but are we looking for skilled athletes only? Mr. Bowman does not know the reasons why these young men were not allowed to participate and he should not have taken upon himself to grant approval when none was given by the school.
BEVERLY SELMAN
Head of the Department of Physical Education & Sport
St. Rose’s High School