Now that the Mary Elizabeth Recreational Park at Rey Hill has been officially opened, the first basketball camp there is planned for July 21-25. That information was released by Mr Evan Gumbs, the Elected Representative for Valley South and Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities.
Mr Gumbs made the disclosure while delivering the feature address at the opening of the sporting facility on Friday, June 20. He said that the inaugural camp would be hosted by Coaches Shane Wagner and Joe Crawford of the Oklahoma Basketball Academy. “I am certain that we will be able to produce at least one player from this community who will go to the next level with this partnership,” the Minister stated.
He went on: “The Mary Elizabeth Recreational Park will serve as a model for all future parks being built in the surrounding communities. It is important to note, however, that the success of such parks is not just in the facilities within the park, but in the organised programmes which will be conducted on a year round basis for the children.”
Mr Gumbs who said he had promised the people of Rey a basketball court in 2010, denied that it was built for political mileage as a number of persons had charged. He explained his vision for the broadening of the facility as follows:
“When I met with the committee on February 1, 2014, my mission was to create a field of dreams with a multi-purpose court, shaded benches for tutoring sessions in various subject areas, and a community shed for meetings and bathroom facilities. It was equally important for the children to receive assistance with homework in an environment conducive for learning as it was for them to play. The benches and tables are being constructed and will be strategically placed around the park. Upon completion of the project, it is my desire to have the entire park fenced and lit. I am certain that with the continued support from the people of Rey Hill, and the wider community, we will also achieve this goal.”
Mr Gumbs, who was grateful ”to all the dedicated persons who embraced his vision”, added: “In addition to developing a facility with the necessary amenities that would serve as a model for other communities, I envisioned positive programmes for the children and community gatherings where everyone (young and old) can come together and celebrate special holidays. It is my hope that such gatherings can help to strengthen the bonds in the community and revive the jollification spirit of the community.”
The ceremony commenced with introductory remarks by Ras Elijah. He is the grandson of the late Mary Elizabeth Hodge who was the original owner the land. He was pleased to see the progress made so far on the development of the sporting facility and was grateful to Mr Mitchelle Lake, CEO of the Anguilla Tennis Academy, who was of much assistance in the design and building of the basketball court.
Mr Alkins Rogers, Chairman of the Social Security Board, lauded the project and was pleased that financing from the Board’s development fund was made available to assist with the construction of the facility. He joined in expressing thanks to Mr Lake in particular for the important role he played.
The basketball court was declared open by Mr Jerome Roberts, Minister responsible for Sports and Youth Affairs. He commended Minister Evan Gumbs for his vision; all others who were involved in the work; and spoke about the benefits of the project to the children and adults in its current and later stage of development.
The ceremony was chaired by Mrs Janice Hodge, a resident of Valley South. The event also involved the blessing of the court by Pastor Cecil Richardson of the nearby Central Baptist Church, and the participation of a number of other persons in such areas as musical and singing renditions, as well as gift presentations to Minister Evan Gumbs.
