The St Michael School can now boast of having the island’s newest cricket facility.
The Noel Gittens and Ezra Moseley Cricket Development Facility, which features cricket nets, was recently unveiled at the Martindale’s Road school, having been constructed in association with the Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union, via its Legacy Foundation.
St Michael School Principal Tanya Harding (second left) and former coach Noel Gittens officially opened the new facility.
(Photo Credit: Kurtis Hinds/Barbados TODAY)
Gittens is a former coach and deputy principal at the school, while Moseley, a former Barbados and West Indies pacer also coached there.
Principal Tanya Harding welcomed the construction of the facility, which she described as timely.
“Physical education in schools is an essential part of the curriculum. Not only is it important for physical and mental health, but it also prevents non-communicable diseases which plague us later on in life.
“At the St Michael School, we have long encouraged every child to take part in extracurricular activities,” she said.
The principal revealed that students are involved in 27 extracurricular activities, nine of which are sports related.
“One of our biggest challenges to facilitate these many sports is our size.
With only one hard court, a tennis court, and a very small playing field, which was made smaller when the prefab buildings were added to accommodate our sixth forms, we really don’t have a lot of space for our children to play.
“At one point, our cricketers were going to the Ursuline Convent to use their cricket nets once a week,” Harding pointed out.
Winslow Straker of the St Michael School Alumni Association, said the facility represents an investment in the youth, communities, and the future of Barbadian cricket.
“The dual practice wicket stands as a symbol of opportunity, a place where young cricketers can develop their skills, discipline, confidence and passion for the game.
“It is especially fitting that this facility bears the name of Noel Gittens and the late Ezra Moseley, two individuals whose contributions and commitment to cricket have left a lasting impact. Their names will now inspire future generations who will train here and dream of representing their schools, clubs, and country with pride,” Straker maintained.
“As an alumni association, we firmly believe that legacy is not only about remembering the past, but also about creating pathways for the future. Partnerships such as this demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations come together and share a vision for youth development and community development.
“We therefore extend sincere gratitude to the Legacy Foundation for their generous donation and partnership in bringing this project to fruition. We deeply appreciate your commitment to youth cricket and community development, and we look forward to many more meaningful engagements together in the future,” he added.
(KH)
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