Sport Minister Wants Digicel Kickstart Clinic Replicated

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, wants to see the Digicel Kickstart Clinic replicated in educational institutions and organisations.

“The Digicel Kickstart Clinic is not just a template for corporate Jamaica. I would like to see it replicated within our community clubs, within schools and even religious organizations and must involve parents, teachers and certified coach educators,” she said.

Miss Grange was speaking at the launch of the Digicel Kickstart Grassroot Football 2016 programme, held today (March 29), at the Whole Life Sports Centre, Devon Road, in Kingston.

The programme was launched in 2008 by Digicel, communications and entertainment provider, as part of its brand development and grassroots strategy. It provides an opportunity for thousands of aspiring young footballers not only to learn football skills and technical abilities, but also to develop good attitudes and life skills.

This year, coaches from top English Premier League team, Manchester City Football Club (MCFC), and New York FC, will host clinics in 14 Caribbean and Central American countries, and will select the best three boys from each country to attend the Digicel  Kickstart Academy.

The Minister said the programme is a model for other corporate entities and non-government organisations.

“No government and indeed corporate entity should overlook the important rule of sport, in particular football, in this country,” she added.

“Sport in general is a vehicle through which health, education and camaraderie of human beings are promoted and are common ideals shared and upheld by any government or modern society,” she emphasised.

The Minister said that successful people have attributed their achievements to early exposure that inculcated in them the fundamental skill sets to be successful in life.

In the meantime, Miss Grange congratulated Dicigel for supporting the programme and for being a great corporate partner.

“It speaks volumes about Digicel’s commitment to Jamaica, the Caribbean and Central America. Digicel’s belief and continuous support in our people is unquestionable,” she said, while noting the contributions of other companies.