Anguilla’s Top Hill basketball team will soon be sporting brand new uniforms, thanks in part to donations by various businesses and community members. In a low key ceremony, that took place on Tuesday July 2nd, major sponsor Synergy Consultancy handed 50 high-quality reversible jerseys to the team’s Manager, Merrick Richardson, and Coach, Incia Brooks Jr. The Top Hill basketball team was founded over a decade ago and its primary mission is to produce well rounded young people through hard work and discipline.
Merrick Richardson said:“In the past decade we have focused not only on developing basketball skills, but also ensuring our youth has the tools necessary to succeed far beyond the basketball court”.
Merrick continued by saying that:“We have players from all over the island as we have grown from 12 to 50 members including our 1st female player. Our new double-sided Jersey means we are able to split the team in two so everyone can play, which means a lot to us. The team recently played in St. Maarten and plans are afoot to take part other regional matches so the uniforms came just at the right time”.
Both the manager and coach were very much delighted to see outside support and investment from the community at large.
Mr. Richardson and Mr. Brooks also thanked sponsorship coordinator, Evette Harrigan, for rallying the support needed to get the jerseys delivered. The players should now be encouraged to work even harder. Evette stated that putting our children’s future first is amongst the most important thing that we can do for our island.
Evette added:“I would like to thank the Anguilla Sports Department and the Basketball Association for waiving the customs duties on the jerseys as it’s a good reminder that they too see the need to invest in our young people”.
Donations were also received from Princess Variety Stores, DLG Engineering and other members of the community who chose to remain anonymous.
She also mentioned that the squad needs a new basketball pole and rim at the North Hill Court as they were damaged during the hurricane. She hopes to find more donors to get this replaced as well.
Lastly, Evette also thanked Synergy Consultancy for their timely donation.
Synergy’s managing director, Walsh Jno-Baptiste, said:“Having played tournament basketball myself, I was happy for Synergy Consulting to be a part of this, we feel it is important that our young people are given every opportunity to succeed in life.”
He continued:“The way in which things are done today directly impacts the future that our children are going to have.” He encouraged the players to listen to their coaches, work hard, ensure they eat appropriate nutrition and are well hydrated before practice sessions.
Finally, both Mr. Richardson and Mr. Brooks reiterated their appreciation for those who gave, however small, towards the cause and said thanks to the community for their continued support.
– Contributed
