JIS Stages Sports Day at Mount Olivet Boys’ Home

Members of staff of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) brought cheer to residents of the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home at the annual sports day held earlier this month at the facility in Walderston, Manchester.

The day was filled with joy and laughter as the JIS team match athletic skills with the 30 boys in sack races, tug of war, relays, sprints, and the obstacle course race.  There was also a very entertaining bun-eating contest.

JIS Human Resource Clerk, Camille Hayles, who was visiting the home for the first time said the day was enjoyable.

“We had a lot of fun and interacted with the boys and I was able to talk to a few of them. They enjoyed us being there and asked how soon we would be back, and when it was time for us to leave I was sad because we had to go,” she said.

New Director of the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home, Patrick Newman, who was also experiencing the sports day for the first time, commended the JIS team for organising a memorable day.

“It amazed me that the JIS took the time out to come and organise the day with the staff and the boys. It is unique to me as I’ve never seen an organisation take the time out to do something like this before. It is exciting. The day was just an awesome day. Hats off to JIS for their initiative for this annual event,” he said.

Member of the JIS Mount Olivet Boys’ Home Committee and coordinator of the sports day, Desmond Campbell, noted the importance of the annual activity.

“It affects how the boys socialise, how they compete, and it’s good for their health. They look forward to the competitions and the fact that they can participate in their favourite events,” he noted.

Mr. Campbell said the organising committee will continue to make improvements and is looking at officiating the events in a more professional manner.

“Next year, we’re going to implement an app to improve efficiency of scoring,” he informed.

Sponsors of the sports day were: Wisynco through the YB Afraid Foundation, Tastee Jamaica Limited, Maxfield Bakery, Coldfield Manufacturers Limited, and the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).

Manager at Maxfield Bakery, Dionne Biggs, told JIS News that the company was happy to provide support for the boys.

“We just love to help ….I know that what we give is going towards the welfare of the boys,” she said.

The visit was the first by the JIS staff since the start of the year. The team is preparing for another visit in August for back-to-school and will also bring holiday cheer to the boys during the Christmas period.

The JIS has been visiting the Mount Olivet Boys’ Home since December 2009 and has formed a close relationship with the boys, which is maintained even after they transition from the home.

The JIS is extending gratitude to the companies, which have been supporting the home over the years.