Department of Sports Officially Launches St. Kitts School Football Competitions
Basseterre, St. Kitts, Nov 2, 2023 (ZIZ Newsroom): After a brief hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, football competitions among schools are back with the official launch of the St. Kitts-Nevis Anguilla National Bank Primary School Competition and the Jones Group Limited Secondary School Competition.
Twenty primary schools from St. Kitts and Nevis, and all high schools from the Federation, including the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, have committed to participating in the competitions.
During a ceremony at Warner Park Cricket Stadium on Thursday (October 26th), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Valencia Syder spoke of the benefits of youth football.
“Beyond simply providing the right environment for developing essential conversation skills, they learn how to communicate their ideas and their feelings on a much deeper level with their teammates. One of the most important communicative skills fostered is conflict management.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, during his remarks, spoke about additional benefits as it pertains to participation in sports.
“Of course, your participation in this tournament will help you to learn how to control your emotions and channel negative feelings in a positive way. Playing sports help children build resilience and feel much better about themselves.”
Minister of Sports, Hon. Samal Duggins stated that this tournament will cater to over 500 student-athletes and can help to prepare them as professional athletes.
“This program is dear to my heart, as we can prepare professional players who will have a good future in football. The school’s football project is extremely fruitful, because in one way or another, it is helping the development of football in the Federation, and it teaches discipline, respect, and sportsmanship.”
He concluded by officially declaring the start of the competitions.
During the ceremony, a number of cheques were presented to Minister Duggins by the sponsors of the competitions.