MARIGOT—The month-long August sports programme organised by insertion association Sem Ta Route, Semsamar, and its tenants associations in collaboration with the French side’s sports clubs, concluded on Friday with a prize giving for the football competition at the sports ground next to the library in Concordia.
Winning team (under 15 years) went to Team Problem and over 15 years to Team No Name. The Best Striker trophy (under 15 years) went to Wendy Isidor and over 15 years to Emmanuel Richardson. The MVP trophy (under 15 years) went to Alexandre Eugene and over 15 years to Jean-Yves Victor.
The sports initiative was put in place during the summer vacation for the younger residents and tenants of Semsamar residences and social housing projects at no charge. Sports included football, basketball, handball, boxing, kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, swimming and more.
On Thursday a family day was organized at Friars Bay Beach where about 70 young people enjoyed kayaking, beach volleyball, beach soccer and other activities. In total about 80 young people each day participated in the various sports throughout August.
“I’m very happy that this sports programme was organized because sports promotes a healthy body and mind,” said President of Semsamar, Yawo Nyuiadzi, who assisted in presenting the trophies for the football competition. “The young people really appreciated it. And it keeps them off the streets where they can get up to no good.”
Assistant Projects Administrator from Sem Ta Route, Maé Bridier, noted the sports programme was also an opportunity for sports officials and coaches to spot exceptional talent, and those individuals will be given extra coaching to develop their skills.
Among those appreciating the initiative was Joel Hyman, President of one of the Semsamar resident associations and President of Association Sport pour Tous.
“This is the third year it has been organised and the number of kids participating is growing,” noted Hyman. “It gives us pleasure to support the event and I think without us these kids would be left alone with nothing to do. But they have to have incentive too to participate. Most other sports organisations shut down in the slow summer months and this fills that void.”
Phillipe Arrondell, President of ABC Boxing, who does a lot to promote boxing among the youth, was also pleased with the event. ABC has a portable boxing ring that it takes around the districts to encourage the youth to take up the sport.
“We had a lot of kids try boxing and we could even spot some potential future champions,” said Arrondell. “It was a very well organised event and we hope it will be even bigger next year.”
He disclosed an amateur gala boxing event is being organised on November 4, 2017, on the Dutch side and a professional/amateur event by ABC in December 2017.
