In the midst of COVID-19 and the hectic environment of re-entry into the school system, there is a diamond in the rough in relation to sports.
Dean Squires, founder and president of the Combined Faith Sports Ministry was able to complete a gem of a twelve-month leadership program. This initiative provided psycho-social support to several young men whose ages range from 11 to 16. It utilized athletics and basketball training with a strong emphasis on leadership development. The main components of the workshops were to build positive physical, mental and social habits.
Last Saturday Squires facilitated a surprise presentation of Lou Williams Peak basketball sneakers to the nine young men who completed the inaugural sports leadership program.
Squires is no stranger to going against the odds to assist and develop the youth in Barbados. He started Combined Faith Ministry in October 2000 and has been using sports to impact and change lives of youth across Barbados by working with schools, sports clubs, churches and other community-based organizations to develop high quality coaching and training.
In 2015 Combined Faith Ministry became an official international affiliate of Fellowship of Christian Athletes [FCA], a Global Sports Ministry organization based in the United States of America. Over the years It has hosted visiting ministry groups which assist in the summer camp programs.
Participants (l-r) Dean Squires (coach), Micah Grosvenor, Nathan Eristhee, Joshua Pickering, Tyler Forde, Conner Sullivan, Nayiib Browne, Caleb Holder, Josiah Weekes, (missing) Nathan Hunte.
On the impact of COVID on the program, Squires did not let that deter him he quickly utilized on-line classes/sessions which saw participants going through their paces and being involved in discussions while in their own space.
Squires, who prefers the title coach to any of the other titles, gave special thanks to the executive, parents and sponsors Alleviation Media, Ellerton Wesleyan Holiness Church, Fellowship of Christian Athlete, Healthy Cottage Counselling and Wellcare Therapy, Peak Sports, Spar Sports Gear and Work With Roddy for their continued support throughout the 2019-2020 year program. (PR)
