Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 27, 2018 (SKNIS): The Department of Youth Empowerment successfully rallied scores of young people in Sandy Point on Friday (August 24) night as it hosted a 3-on-3 basketball contest as part of its outreach programme to positively engage the nation’s youth via a variety of channels. This particular activity used sports as a tool for peace and development.
Sixteen persons between the ages of 12 and 29 years were divided into teams of four to contest the competition that ran from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Sandy Point Hard Court. The project was in keeping with Goal 4 of the Federal Youth Policy, which speaks to Health and Wellbeing.
Youth Officer, Marecia Pemberton coordinated the event. She explained that most residents in the town are avid basketball fans and this made Sandy Point an excellent area to pilot the project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Honourable Shawn Richards, told the contestants and scores of persons in attendance that the project is part of the initiative to use sports to help develop youth through competition. The benefits included sharpening their skills, learning teamwork (the contestants were randomly chosen), and exploring ways to raise funds for youth groups through similar ventures.
The competition was won by the Warriors team. Devonte Browne was the team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Voigel Marsham was adjudged the best Under-18 player of the competition. The players weren’t the only ones to take the court as the halftime entertainment saw persons in the crowd step up to complete various skill challenges such as attempting a basket from behind the three point line and the free throw line.
Ms. Pemberton said that she was pleased with the outcome of the event given that it was the first time it was held. She shared that the activity took on a fun-filled family event which was something planned during its design. The youth officer praised the corporate support given by companies including Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), E and K Supermarket Ltd., B’s Enterprises, Pioneer Pizza, the Uptown Barbershop, Geron’s Bar and Grill, Life Changer Barbershop, Cone Zone Ice Cream Parlour, Dollar Stretcher Supermarket, Bingi’s Transportation Services, Viper Marine Construction, and Marsha Demming’s Catering. Most of the companies are based in Sandy Point.
Officials plan to move the activity to other communities throughout St. Kitts.
