The first Day of Interaction organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) of Buxton/Foulis, Enmore/Hope and Grove/Haslington last Sunday was a notable success despite the persistent rainfall over the weekend.
According to a press release, the event, which was held at the Enmore Community Centre Ground, saw hundreds of athletes, officials and supporters braving the unfavorable weather to enjoy a day of sports among neighbouring communities.
The Day of Interaction, which was organized mainly by the NDCs, saw the presence of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony who highlighted sports as an important ingredient in the development of communities in various ways.
Also addressing the large gathering was Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, who thanked everyone for their participation and involvement despite the rainy weather conditions.
Jainauth Bikari, Chairman of the Enmore/Hope NDC, welcomed everyone while the Chairman of Buxton/Foulis NDC, Rudolph Blair, expressed satisfaction over the large turnout and urged that the activities be used as a means of fostering better relationships.
The activities kicked off with softball cricket (female) involving five teams and much talent was displayed.
The final was a Buxton/Foulis NDC affair with Buxton batting first and scoring 38-3 in their allotted five overs defeating Enterprise who only managed 20-4 in reply. Although the Enterprise girls displayed good skills, the Buxton girls overpowered them, hitting the ball over the top and scoring runs. On the male side, Enmore/Hope crushed Grove/Haslington by 80 runs. Taking first strike Enmore/Hope rattled up 133 -5 and Grove/Haslington replied with a meagre 53-8.
Five teams participated.
Only two teams were involved in volleyball, both from Enmore/Hope NDC. Team ‘A’ defeated Team ‘B’, winning three straight games of five.
Football, which attracted four teams, (one mixed) was played on a round robin, seven–a–side basis. Grove/ Haslington ‘A’ with 9 points from 3 wins emerged champions followed by Grove/ Haslington ‘B’ with 6 points from 2 wins and Buxton/ Foulis (mixed) 3 points from 1 win.
Six teams registered for the domino competition but unfortunately, this competition was not completed. It is expected that the final rounds will be held during the week.
The Enmore Youths received a volleyball net and balls as the Minister of Sport noted their determination in the game played.
The day’s proceedings also attracted a female cricket team from Mahaica who played well but were defeated in the second semi-finals by Buxton.
The day’s activities were incident free although the field was soggy and in some places waterlogged, the release noted.
After the day’s events, prizes were presented by the Director of Sport, Chairmen of the Buxton/Foulis and Enmore/Hope NDCs and other officials.
Further games will be played on Friday at the Enterprise Community Centre Ground.
