Courts OECS Reading Competition expected to be bigger and better

Organizers of the local leg of the second annual Courts OECS Reading Competition expect this year’s exercise to be bigger and better, following the inclusion of two additional sponsors.{{more}}

The tournament, organized by furniture and appliance store Courts, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Education Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is scheduled to begin later this month, with nine students slated to contest the finals on October 14 this year.

Marketing Executive of Courts St. Vincent Alexis John said on Tuesday at a press conference to launch of the competition, his company’s dedication to the event was in keeping with their desire to enhance reading skills and to develop a culture of reading in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

“We want to support the Ministry of Education’s continued effort in challenging illiteracy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We know the ministry is investing a lot in the fight against illiteracy.”

John indicted that the winner of the local leg of the competition earns the right to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the regional finals which takes place in Grenada in late October or early November.

The winner and the school they represent will receive EC $2000, with the second placed student getting $1000, third placed $750, and fourth and fifth $500.

All finalists will also receive books, trophies and a savings account for participating in the competition.

John also indicated that the winner of the local competition will also have the opportunity to read a news segment on SVG TV.

“At the regional level there will be six participants (Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts/ Nevis, Antigua/ Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines); the winning student and school will walk away with $5,000 and laptop, the second placed student will receive $3,000, third placed will get $2,000, and fourth, fifth and sixth placed will get $1,000.” John informed.

The six finalists will also receive a laptop computer.

This year, restaurant chain Bickles and bookstore Jujube have joined SVG TV, Multigraphics Ltd, and Bank of Nova Scotia in sponsoring the event.

The local leg of last year’s competition was won by St. Mary’s Roman Catholic school pupil Lyndsay Dowers, who placed third in the regional finals which was held in Dominica.

John indicated said that the efforts of his company, along with those of the sponsors, as well as the Ministry of Education demonstrate their commitment in the fight against illiteracy.

“We know that reading is still a major problem in our schools and we are extremely happy to be given the opportunity to help in the whole process of eradicating illiteracy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (JJ)