US groups host students’ fête in Portland

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Dozens of students from communities in Portland benefited from a special treat hosted by a team of volunteers from the United States. Saturday’s treat, now an annual event, was started in 2019. The initiative became a reality after a member of the US group, was awarded a grant. The decision was then taken to host the event that year in Jamaica as a special treat for kids in Portland by the group Field Day INC – a non-profit organisation from Atlanta, Georgia.

“The event started in 2019 with a few friends from Atlanta ... all teachers, who hosted field events in their particular schools, “commented Melissa Hall, team leader.

“So after getting the grant, the decision was taken to come to Jamaica to host a field day here in Portland, Port Antonio, which is my community. We had a setback the following year in 2020 and the event was disrupted as a result of the global pandemic, COVID-19. So the following year we resumed our field trip and we have been coming to Jamaica since. The event is really to bring the community together in a inclusive way with a day of activities, primarily for children from age 4 years to 14 years.

“So the aim is to bring the community together for a day of fun, free fun, not having to go into your pocket for anything. Everybody can participate and have a good time. We play games including classic school yard games, egg and spoon race, sack race, 50-metre and 100 metre races, football, and dancing competition. All the winners receive gifts and they are fêted with juices, hot dog, burgers, chicken, fries, and other meals. It is a pleasure coming back each year and we are motivated as group, as the kids are happy, “she added.

The event which was held at the West Harbour Marina, part sponsored by the Port Authority of Jamaica and Crystal Night Club, has seemingly attracted potential sponsors, and according to Hall, next year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and better.

The event also attracted students from several schools including Titchfield High, Port Antonio high, Port Antonio Primary, Boundbrook Primary, and Norwich Primary, along with their parents and other community residents.

“We look forward to this every year with great anticipation and the bright smiles on the faces of the children warm our hearts. Children are our future and it is best to engage them at all levels. They do need proper guidance and we are doing just that as a group. Yes, we only get to meet up once per year, but we operate like family and the communication is ongoing, even though we are far away. We have started making plans for next year and that goes to show the kind of love that we have as a group for these children, “she added.