PHILIPSBURG–Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Jorien Wuite signed off on repairs to Melford Hazel Sports and Recreation Center and several basketball courts in various districts recently. The works will be executed within the coming weeks. The National Sports Institute (NSI) will be the executing agency to oversee the repairs with funds made available through the approval of a subsidy by the Government.
The Melford Hazel Center, an indoor and outdoor sports facility, suffered major damage during the passing of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.
The NSI damage assessment revealed that the roof of the facility had several holes and basketball and tennis courts, the on-site playground, iron gates and fencing surrounding the property had been destroyed.
The first phase of repairs to the complex will concentrate on the main building to make it available for use. A second phase to start at a later date will cover the repairs of the outside gazebo used by the public for sports and other events.
Six basketball courts at Leonald Connor School in Cole Bay, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School in Dutch Quarter, Sister Marie Laurence School in Middle Region, Rupert Maynard Community Centre in St. Peters, Sister Regina School in Simpson Bay and the sports field in Belvedere are also slated to be repaired. These courts provide a location for youngsters to engage in play within their local communities.
With the repairs of these basketball courts, as well as Melford Hazel Center, Wuite looks forward to these communities being one step closer to returning to the “new normal.”
“Once children are safe and engaged in school, sports and afterschool activities it encourages family life to return to normal; parents and guardians can then turn their attention to other critical priorities,” she explained.
Wuite complimented the NSI, Sports Department and private volunteers for their proactive and committed efforts, as additional repairs to the island’s sports facilities have already commenced.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/73672-wuite-signs-off-on-repairs-for-melford-hazel-facility
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