Children throughout Anguilla are finding much pleasure in participating in the 24th Annual Primary School Football Tournament, sponsored by the National Bank of Anguilla, which commenced on Friday, October 12, at Coronation Park. The opening ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Deslyn Smith, NBA’s Market Research & Business Development Support Officer.
Seven schools are participating in the two-week tournament: the six public primary schools and the privately-run Central Christian School. There are a total of thirteen teams, seven representing boys and six girls.
NBA’s Director, Kenneth Hodge, said that through participation in sport and physical education, young people learn about the importance of key values such as honesty, teamwork, fair play, respect for themselves and others, and adherence to rules. “It also provides a forum for young people to learn how to deal with competition and to cope with both winning and losing…,” he stated.
“I believe that sports, and particularly football, provide a viable alternative to much of the issues young people face today with gangs and gang violence and other deviant behaviour. It also brings communities together in a positive way. There are no barriers, no east against west, just positive, social and cultural interaction.”
Mr. Hodge, Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government-appointed NBA Director, went on: “NBA continues to recognise its important role as a good corporate citizen. This is more than demonstrated in its sponsorship of this Primary School tournament for straight twenty-four years. It is clear that NBA recognises the value that this tournament brings to the development of sports in the primary schools.” He added that the tournament had been tremendously successful over the years; and its sponsorship showed the commitment of NBA to the development of Anguilla’s young people.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett, placed on record the Ministry’s profound appreciation, gratitude and commendation to NBA for its continued commitment to the football tournament.
Mrs. Petty- Barrett, who has responsibility for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, continued: “When this idea was conceived by NBA, I don’t believe anyone imagined it would have grown to be such a success touching so many lives. It may not have been realised how effective a tool it would have been to engender school loyalty and friendship that last a life-time. By its involvement in this annual tournament, NBA has become a leader not only in banking, but in uniting and developing our young people through sports.
“This tournament is all about giving and caring for the needs of our children. It is about developing their abilities through the playing of sport, instilling in them discipline and a purpose to achieve and better their lives and our society. The spirit of competition and fair play teaches our young people about personal discipline, an element that is absent from so many lives and is the cause of so many unnecessary problems within our society. The positive exposure that our children receive through their involvement in this tournament expands their horizon and teaches them to face new challenges in their lives.”
Mrs. Petty-Barrett called upon parents, teachers, friends and community members “to give all the teams their support and encouragement”. She thanked all other persons, including coaches, and officials, who contributed their time and effort to the tournament. “I wish every team a rewarding 2012 tournament, and I remind players that at your stage it is not winning or losing that matters, but how you play the game,” she added.
Ms. Veda Harrigan, Education Officer, Primary/Pre-Primary, praised NBA for its enormous contribution that had helped to develop primary school sports to what it is today. “The unfaltering perseverance and willingness to sponsor this event has not been unnoticed,” she continued. “We would also like to salute the pillars of support that make up the foundation of primary schools football. I would like to thank our physical education teachers, dedicated coaches, sports officials, principals and teachers, parents and all who have helped to create a conducive environment for football, and sports on a whole, to flourish.” She urged all boys and girls participating in the tournament to be the best team players, to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship and fair play.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Ms. Shernika Connor, Special Assistant to Chief Executive Officer at the National Bank, Mr. E. Valentine Banks. Earlier, the invocation was by Assistant Anglican Priest, Rev. Menes Hodge.
The tournament started with the kick-off by Mr. Kenneth Hodge, followed by the first match for boys: Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School vs. Central Christian School.
