Community–based organisations from across Jamaica participated in the CVSS Summer Games that was held on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the University of the West Indies, Mona Bowl.
The Summer Games, which is in its 13th year saw persons participating in non-traditional events such as lime and spoon, three-legged race, sack race, cheerleading and other activities.
Prior to the Summer Games there was a football tournament held at the NWC Sports Complex, Mona, on June 22, 2019. Top three agencies were: Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, Deaf Sports Jamaica and Jamaica 4H Clubs.
Sharon Edwards, Programmes Manager, CVSS said that the day’s activities went well with some 1,500 persons in attendance.
“It was a successful day. We continue to provide an opportunity for children from underprivileged communities to participate in a formal sporting competition. Just to see the joy and expression on the faces of these children and being able to participate in the games, were heart-warming,” she said summing up the event.
“For them, it is their Olympics. The icing on the cake was the cheerleading and they thoroughly enjoyed that,” she added.
Ms Edwards said that the Summer Games allowed young people to engage in friendship and other sporting activities, outside of their communities and also display their talents.
“We are happy to have brought children and young people from varying backgrounds into one space where they can engage in disciplined and fun activities. It also encourages friendly competition and sportsmanship,” she said.
Grace &Staff Community Development Foundation emerged champions of this year’s championships, which saw over 700 participants. They also won the cheerleading competition.
Ms Edwards pointed out that the success of the event would not have been possible without the support of the sponsors and volunteers.
“On behalf of the executive and members of staff of the CVSS, we thank our sponsors for supporting this event which has been impactful and memorable to our participants. To our volunteers, this year’s event would not have been possible, your hard work and dedication are appreciated,” she said.
For Nakeeta Downer, CVSS volunteer, the experience at the Summer Games was one of enjoyment. “I volunteer because I gain experience, meet new people, learn different cultures and just have fun,” she said.
The Summer Games was sponsored by National Baking Company Foundation; Wisynco; Usain Bolt Foundation; Sports Development Foundation; JPS Foundation; the Spanish-Jamaican Foundation; Kiwanis Club of Kingston/Patsy Lyn Caters; United Way of Jamaica; NCB Foundation; JN General Insurance, among others.
This year, the event had an exhibition component where the Child Protection and Family Services Agency; Road Safety Unit; the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) and National Health Fund participated and provided critical information on their services to the gathering.
Commenced in 1982, the CVSS Summer Games was discontinued in 1988 but recommenced in 2007 and since then has been a staple event on the sporting calendar.
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