Sports Ministry assists Agricola Restoration Committee

Jun 13, 2009 Sports

Mr. Kumar (left) hands over a football to a representative of the Agricola Restoration Association.

The Agricola Restoration Association (ARA), under the Chairmanship of Christopher Rockcliffe, was the recipient of several pieces of sports gear compliments of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, yesterday.
Director of Youth and Sports, Neil Kumar handed over the package which consisted of boxing gloves, boxing boots, headgears and basketballs among other items to the Chairman of the ARA, Mr Christopher Rockcliffe at a simple ceremony in the Agricola area, yesterday afternoon. The Director of Sports has subsequently promised to deliver a basketball backboard, shortly.

Mr Rockcliffe accepted the gift on behalf of his organization and thanked the Director of Sports for the kind gesture. He assured that the equipment would be distributed to the different clubs for use by the youths.
The ARA would be looking into the affairs of residents of the Agricola, Eccles and Ramsburg communities. The group convenes every Saturday and discusses strategies to restore their respective communities to prominence in the areas of education, sports and economic empowerment among others.
Already, there are three clubs in the area that caters for youth development. There is the Donald Allison Boxing gym, which had produced a plethora of boxing stars in the past, the Agricola Red Triangle Football Club and the Rome Athletic Club that comprises approximately 65 members, under the tutelage of Owen John. The ARA is currently working assiduously to install the Agricola Basketball Club.

The executive of the ARA has committed to work diligently to find worthwhile activities for the youths of the three targeted communities. Mr Rockcliffe said that the three communities are working with the aim of empowering young people and to curtail their involvement in illegal activities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kumar congratulated the group on their efforts to curtail illicit activities among the youths. He has also promised to render future support. He also urged them to use the gear for the designated purpose.

The other members of the Christopher Rockcliffe led committee are, Vice Chairman Welton Clarke, Secretary Neilson McKenzie, Vice Chairman Owen John, Treasurer Merlene David and Committee Member Molly John.
Overseer of the Eccles/Ramsburg district, David Sugrim was instrumental in the acquisition of the gear. He has since promised to assist in future ventures.