The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is aiming to raise at least $50 000 to support schools across Barbados through its Adopt-A-School Futsal Tournament.
The tournament, which kicked off on Saturday and features 24 teams, will be played over four weekends, concluding on August 30, just before the start of the new school term.
BHTA Chairman Kelly-Ann Payne said the initiative was designed to strengthen the relationship between the tourism and education sectors while using sport to support youth development.
She said the funds would be directed towards a range of school needs, including IT programmes, recreational space upgrades, environmental initiatives, food and nutrition programmes, sports and music enhancements, water storage solutions and other infrastructure improvements.
The tournament also aims to identify schools most in need of support while promoting leadership, teamwork and collaboration between the tourism and education sectors.
Tourism Liaison Officer at the BHTA Sade Deane said the initiative was about more than competition on the futsal court.
“It reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting education, building community, and promoting wellness,” she said.
Deane said the initiative would also contribute to upgrades and improvements at selected primary and secondary schools, while promoting employee wellness and teamwork through healthy competition.
She added that the tournament would help foster community development “through the unifying power of sport that is football”, while encouraging BHTA members to participate in national development.
“Over the coming weeks, we will witness not only exciting competition on the court, but also the positive impact that sport can have in bringing people together for a meaningful cause,” Deane said.
Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for schools Dr Denise Charles welcomed the initiative and described it as an example of what could be achieved when businesses, communities and educational institutions work together.
She said the funds raised would go a long way towards assisting primary and secondary schools with needs, including sports programmes, technology enhancements and other critical educational requirements.
Charles also highlighted the importance of the partnership between the tourism and education sectors and noted that both were important pillars of national development.
“By bringing these sectors together, this tournament demonstrates how corporate citizens can play a meaningful role in supporting our schools and investing in the future workforce of Barbados,” she said.
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