Tue | Dec 3, 2024

EXED celebrates new multipurpose court

Published:Sunday | December 17, 2023 | 12:11 AM
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From left: Philmore McCarthy, principal of the Excelsior Community College; Milton Tomlinson, president of the Mountain View Community Development Council; Oliver Holness, principal of Excelsior Primary and Infant School; Rev Michael Lewis, vice-principal,
Contributed
From left: Philmore McCarthy, principal of the Excelsior Community College; Milton Tomlinson, president of the Mountain View Community Development Council; Oliver Holness, principal of Excelsior Primary and Infant School; Rev Michael Lewis, vice-principal, Excelsior High School; and Reverend Dr Phillip Robinson, chaplain, Excelsior Education Centre, cut the ribbon to a new multipurpose court at Excelsior on Friday.
Contributed Photos Principal of the Excelsior Community College, Philmore McCarthy, shoots the first ‘hoop’ at a new multipurpose court at Excelsior on Friday.
Contributed
Contributed Photos Principal of the Excelsior Community College, Philmore McCarthy, shoots the first ‘hoop’ at a new multipurpose court at Excelsior on Friday.
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THE VIBRANT community of Excelsior (community college, high school, primary and infant schools) marked a significant milestone on Friday when the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) officially handed over a multipurpose court with the possibility of enhancing sporting opportunities and fostering a spirit of community engagement.

The project, which cost just over $5.5 million, is a testament to the commitment of the SDF to promote sports and physical activity.

The handover ceremony, held at Excelsior on Friday morning, was attended by distinguished guests, including the principals (or their representatives) and other key stakeholders. The event also drew participation from various sectors, including the SDF, the Methodist Church, Excelsior Community College faculty members, and enthusiastic students.

The multipurpose court is a versatile addition to Excelsior, providing a dedicated space for sporting activities like netball, basketball and volleyball.

According to Philmore McCarthy, principal, Excelsior Community College, “this facility represents the partnership between the Excelsior Education Centre and the community”, as it will be “utilised not just by the three institutions that are part of the EXED family, but also the surrounding communities to include persons from Nannyville, Backbush, you name it. Those persons are an integral part in the operations of the institution.”

This initiative aligns with the mission of the SDF to enhance sports infrastructure across communities, contributing to the overall development of Jamaica’s sports landscape.

Christopher Marshall, chief engineer, SDF, in giving an overview of the project, expressed the view that it was “better late than never”, as the original request had been made in 2016 to reconstruct the multipurpose court.

“The Excelsior community is well deserving of this court, which the SDF hopes will boost your reputation in basketball, netball and volleyball,” said Marshall.

The ceremony also showcased the strong partnership between the Excelsior community and the SDF, highlighting the mutual dedication to educational and athletic excellence.

“We hope that this court will contribute to the citizen’s empowerment and development, as we at the SDF continue to build the nation through sport,” added Marshall.

In the spirit of inclusivity, the ceremony featured engaging activities, including friendly demonstrations of sport and interactive sessions, symbolising the court’s role as a dynamic space for physical fitness, teamwork, and community bonding.

As the multipurpose court becomes a focal point for sports and recreation in Excelsior, the community looks forward to a future filled with opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and athletic achievement.