Christel House Gets Multipurpose Court

The tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, now has a multipurpose court, partly funded by the Sport Development Foundation of Jamaica (SDF), at a cost of $9 million.

Speaking at the official handover of the facility today (June 4), Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, said she is excited, as the court is a “significant moment” for sport at the school.

“The opening of this facility is consistent with the National Sport Policy, which speaks to physical education and sport as a tool that strengthens social ties and promotes intellectual health,” the Minister told the audience, adding that sport is also a significant contributor to psychological and emotional well-being.

Ms. Grange said that sport has proven to be a “positive outlet” to minimise stress and aggression, and that engagement in the various forms of sport plays a “key role” in character and individual development, time management, as well as organisational skills.

“When students participate in sport, they learn how to set and achieve goals through discipline and hard work. Decision-making, teamwork and leadership are also skills taught through sport participation,” the Minister added, stressing that the focus required for sport can translate into “better academic performance”.

Christel House provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school.

It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.

For her part, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith, said the sport facility will provide an environment for the development of skills in teamwork and resilience, dealing with challenges, and promoting critical thinking.