Thousands of pupils from schools in and around the nation's capital made their way from the Queen’s Park Savannah to the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, on Friday, bearing placards and banners as they participated in the Port-of-Spain and Environs “Walk Against Crime/Walk for Sport.”
The event, which kicked off near the Paddock area, began just after 10 am with the arrival of the Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, who met the students and the members of the Port-of-Spain and environs Sports Council. Also in attendance were members of the women’s national football team, including captain Maylee Attin-Johnson, Ahkeela Mollon, School Supervisor III Port-of-Spain and environs, Olson Oliver and School Supevisor I Kathleen Pierre-Holder.
The children chanted, clapped and even danced with teachers as they called for the end of lawlessness.
Some of the smaller ones took breaks in between to have water and snacks, as the walk seemed a little bit more than they had bargained for, but in the end the pupils from all of the participating schools, including Maraval RC School, Carenage Girls' Government Primary School, Hokett Baptist, St Anthony's Girls Primary School, Richmond Street Boys Anglican and Sacred Heart Girls', all made it to the Hasely Crawford Stadium, where they then had a day filled with lots of fun.
Co-ordinator Kelvin Nancoo, thanked the sponsors, Blue Water, Atlantic, Ministry of Sport, the Sport Company, Massy, RBC and the Ministry of National Security for their co-operation in making the walk and sports day, a success.
“We want to make a difference and this is the start which you need,” said Nancoo. “To all the supervisors, principals, teachers and students who participated, I thank you for making a difference.”
Late morning saw the boys and girls of the district participating in the six-a-side tournament while the netball continued at the Jean Pierre Complex and the day’s activities culminated with the competitive relay festival.
Hokett Baptist delighted Principal Stanley Mahase as they walked away triumphantly with the boys football title when they defeated Diamond Vale Government in the final via penalty kicks. The girls’ football competition was won by Maraval RC who defeated a determined St Barb's unit.
Sacred Heart Girls dominated the relays winning every event from Under-9 to U-15.
Children left the Stadium asking when the next Sports Day will be held stating that the initiative of the Port-of-Spain and environs Sports Council was successful in using sport as a vehicle for change.