Three hundred (300) Antiguans are set to benefit from a community space as the Sandals Foundation partners with Irene B. Williams Secondary School to resurface the Swetes basketball and netball courts in the Swetes Village community.

The courts, used by students and residents ranging from 5-30 years of age, provide a platform for healthy recreation and life - skill development. Valued at EC $282,000, the investment in this common space, according to Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of Sandals Foundation, “will not only foster a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among community members but will also have a positive impact on the youth in the community by promoting physical fitness, especially among students at the neighbouring Irene B. Williams Secondary School.”

The refurbished courts, Clarke continued, “is hoped to reignite the love for sports among young people in the community and make it easier for committee members at the neighbouring school to develop formal netball and basketball teams with a convenient space for practice.”

Organised team sports have been proven to provide many benefits to children and adolescents, including both the physical health benefits from an active lifestyle, and soft skills like teamwork and problem-solving.

According to Karil Knight, teacher at Irene B. Williams Secondary School, “Over the years, Swetes Village has been known for having the best village leagues in both netball and basketball. We have produced excellent basketball players from well-known local teams like the Swetes Vipers, Lady Vipers, and the Roman Hill Netball team.”

“Education and sports go hand in hand. The refurbishing of the Swetes basketball and netball courts will benefit numerous rising stars in the community and from Irene B. Williams Secondary School, which has approximately two hundred (200) students, both boys and girls, ranging from 5-18 years old,” Knight added.

Supporting the creation and maintenance of community spaces that nurture the health and wellbeing of their residents is essential for the sustainable development of communities. The resurfacing of the Swetes Village netball and basketball courts is hoped to promote a healthier lifestyle by offering a common area where community members can participate in this endeavour together.