By: Orville Wright
The Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners (NBJP) on Thursday, July 30 hosted their ‘Mini League 2015’ presentation ceremony at the Port Rhoades Sports Club in Discovery Bay, St Ann. NBJP mini league is a cricket and netball camp and is enjoyed by over three hundred (300) children every year. It is considered the largest nursery for sports at any one time. The mini league seeks to maintain high standards of discipline, sportsmanship, character and patriotism. This summer programme helps to develop the mindset of young boys and girls to gain a better understanding of cricket and netball, especially among children eight to 16 years old.
The ceremony commenced with a devotional exercise by Winsome Christie, senior coordinator of Noranda’s Mini League. The approximately 300 children that were present at the ceremony were all enthused and could be heard shouting and cheering as they got ready to receive their trophies and medals.
PRAISING NORANDA
Emcee of the morning’s function was Kent Skyers, superintendent of Community Relations at Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners. Mr Skyers gave a warm welcome to the children and the special guests. Keith Walford, president of the St Ann Cricket Association and Member of Parliament, St Ann South-West, made brief remarks about the gains which the children can receive from ‘Mini League’. Also, Mr Walford commended NBJP for sponsoring the league and helping the children to be better players through the skills they learned. “Our young cricketers, the opportunities that you have today to evolve or to make cricket a career is certainly tremendous. You will have to remain focused and dedicate yourself to your game. That dedication will begin with self discipline.” Mr Walford said.
Also present at the function was Radcliffe Walters, custos emeritous of St Ann. He also gave brief remarks, urging the children to push forward with their sporting activities. Mr Walters spoke of the great work which NJBP has done with the people, including children around the Discovery Bay area.
Greetings also came from Antoine Liddell, general manager and vice president of Noranda Bauxite Partners. This was Mr Lidell’s first time at a ‘Mini League’ presentation and he was very pleased with the turn out and achievements of the children.
The guest speaker at the ‘Mini League’ presentation was William Heaven, president of the Jamaica Cricket Association. Mr Heaven spoke on cricket and netball and the development of the sports in Jamaica and the West Indies. “We at the JCA a couple weeks ago we met to develop what we call a critical development pathway for cricket in Jamaica. This is not only through of cricket but other types of sports played in Jamaica, including netball.” Mr Heaven said.
