ST. GEORGE’S – TUESDAY, 26TH APRIL, 2011 – During the Easter season, the National Lotteries Authority supported the week-long inaugural Easter Female Basketball Clinic from 18th – 23rd April, and the I Have A Dream Promotion’s Annual Bicycle Race on Easter Sunday.
The Female Basketball Clinic was the brain-child of 20-year old Christa Stephen, Female Basketballer of the Year for the past 4 consecutive years, and Physical Education teacher at the Vendome R.C. School in St. George’s.
Speaking at the official launching of the clinic on the Carenage Court, Ms. Stephen spoke of the decline in interest and performance by females in the sport which was mostly due to the lack of adequate opportunities. She said, “I played when I was a teenager; and would just like to give back and assist in the growth of the sport, involving females. This clinic is just the start.”
NLA’s Marketing and Business Development Manager, Ms. Reece Sam spoke of the NLA’s delight to associate with the clinic under its mandate. “For this, we have provided 50 t-shirts for the organisers and Coaching Staff, and the participants.” Addressing the participants, she implored that they take from the clinic what is expected. “We at the NLA hope that you will carry the NLA’s brand with pride and that you would practice what you have learnt towards ensuring top-notch female basketball representation in Grenada and regionally”.
45 females from age 13 to 18 benefited from the clinic, which was also sponsored by the Ministry of Sports, Ribena, Broado’s Tyres and Raymond Greenidge. Nigel “German” McKie and Ms. Stephen conducted the coaching aspect.
In terms of the Bicycle Race which was held from Calivigny Junction in St. George’s to Ahoma in St. Andrew’s, the NLA donated 3 trophies for awarding the Youngest Rider: Judeon Sayaers – age 13 of Marquis, St. Andrew’s; the Oldest Rider: Norris Forde – age 68 of Maran, St. John’s; and top Female Rider. 50 participants started the race in 3 different categories.
