The JC Recreational Centre in South Hill completed its 3rd Youth Fitness Programme on Saturday 20th July 2013. The programme was created by Mr. Louis Price as a means of introducing health and fitness to youth, providing them with a constructive way to relieve stress. This programme started in January 2013 through the sponsorship of the Anguilla Community Foundation which provided each participant with a manual outlining fitness routines and various empowerment techniques and a motivational “Stronger, Healthier, More Energy” bangle. The aim is to present the course every 3 months on three consecutive Saturday mornings from 9:30 – 11:30 am, after which students between the ages of 15-19 years who have successfully completed the programme have free use of the gym at the JC Recreational Centre on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Included in the programme is an introduction to gym etiquette, a beginner’s strength training routine, a practical session on stretching and a classroom session where the youth learnt practical techniques for goal setting, staying positive and stress management, which they can implement immediately. Several youth have indicated that not only have they noticed an improvement in their physical strength and stamina, in addition they feel more empowered and enlightened and their faith has been strengthened as a result of attending the sessions.
This programme is in keeping with the Mission Statement of the centre;
“The JC Recreational Centre aims at directing and harnessing children’s energies into positive channels, such as organized sports, fitness classes and tutoring sessions to facilitate and enhance their social development” and has to date provided training for 41 youth and some interested adults who sat in on some of the sessions. Feedback provided from evaluation forms completed at the end of the session was positive and supportive. One person commented; “This program is very helpful, I think it is a great programme for kids, [to give] many more children things to do to occupy their time”. Another stated “I have a more positive mind”.
The most recent session included male and female students from Blowing Point, South Hill, Stoney Ground, North Side and Deep Waters. The JC Recreational Centre would like to thank its sponsors and supporters – The Anguilla Community Foundation, Hill Concepts, the Anguilla Community College; HiTek Signs and Designs and Mr. Travis Reid. Also special thanks to Kyle Romney for his assistance during the programme, as a founder member of the Youth Fitness Association.
The JC Recreational Centre continues to seek funding for the programme which welcomes participation from youth all across Anguilla. Any persons or organisations interested in financially sponsoring one or more of the quarterly sessions, please email: jcrecreationalcentre@gmail.com.
Also coming next month at the JC Recreational Centre will be the 2nd Annual Joe Farroba Basketball Camp from 12th – 16th August. Interested youth between the ages of 8-16 years can sign up at the JC Recreational Centre or online at http://jcrecreationalcentre.org/sign-up/ and enter “Basketball Camp” in the Fitness Goals section.
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Article contributed by Ms. Jaine Rogers, Director of the JC Recreational Centre.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
