DURING a recent visit to Batavia, Region Seven, Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton was informed of the need for more sporting gear in schools there.

Just hours after returning to the coastland, Minister Norton made swift arrangements to have equipment donated to the community. These included footballs, cones, cricket bats and balls, helmets, pads, tennis rackets and balls, among other items.

An official handing over of the equipment was made to Batavia’s Toshao, Eyon Boyal, at Minister Norton’s Main and Quamina Streets office.  Boyal expressed gratitude for the equipment and added that they will go a far way in the promotion and development of sports in Batavia, starting from the school level.

Dr. Norton has always been a firm believer that sports form an integral component of any school’s curriculum, and is monumental in the efforts of grooming great athletes of any country.

“Sports help our young ones to stay physically and mentally active, make friends, have fun, learn to play fairly as part of a team, and improve self-esteem,” the Minister said.

Minister Norton believes too that while academics are important, it is necessary for children to be well rounded.

“Sports play a role in this. It empowers children to become well rounded.”

Dr. Norton is confident that sports also play a critical role in promoting the Government’s Social Cohesion agenda.