Sports Department gets $7,000 worth of equipment

The Sports Department recently received over EC$7,000 worth of equipment from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, to be used to improve its community exercise programmes.{{more}}

At a handing over ceremony that took place at the Ministry of Health’s conference room on Tuesday, April 7, the chief health promotions officer Patsy Wyllie said that the equipment comes with “great expectations,” and she hopes that the range of exercises offered to programme participants will increase.

Samantha Lynch, supervisor of wellness and assistant sports officer, accepted the equipment on behalf of the Sports Department, thanking the Ministry of Health for its “great gesture”.

“We are certainly going to be using this equipment for improvement in our already established programmes,” she enthused.

The equipment includes 20 pilates bands, 35 gym balls, 15 exercise wheels, 17 skipping ropes, 20 fitness belts and 35 exercise mats.

Lynch also emphasized the importance of regular exercise and physical activity in children, adults and older persons, as it contributes to proper physical development; she said that the new equipment will add to persons being able to be “more fit, vibrant and live longer lives.”

Currently, the Sports Department operates programmes in business places and communities across St Vincent and the Grenadines, including CWSA, GECCU, Sagicor, Kingstown, Biabou, Sans Souci, the female prison, and senior citizen groups at Black Point and Cane Grove, among others.

By the end of the year, five more programmes are expected to be added to this list.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Luis de Shong said that he was pleased with the handing over of equipment, which was made possible by the 10th European Development Fund Project, and encouraged the public to take care of their health.

He also urged the Sports Department to continue its good work, as it will undoubtedly have “positive implications” on the future of our nation.

Director of Physical Education and Sports Nelson Hillocks was also present at the handing over, along with other officials within the Sports Department.