Ellerslie students host successful hockey-rama

The Wildey Hockey Turf buzzed with excitement on Wednesday as a thrilling Trident Charity Hockey-Rama unfolded.

But this wasn’t your average tournament – the masterminds behind the event were none other than Ellerslie students, 19-year-old Tyrique Sandiford and 17-year-old Raheem Catwell.

As part of their CAPE Physical Education program, Sandiford and Catwell shouldered the immense responsibility of planning and executing the entire hockey-rama.

With only two students in the program, the workload was substantial.

“We started with research. We sent out questionnaires so we could gauge interest in different sports activities, and hockey emerged as the clear favorite,” Catwell explained.

He disclosed that questionnaires were distributed to several schools including the St Michael School, St George Secondary, Queen’s College, and Ellerslie, ensuring they received well-rounded responses.

Sandiford, the official event manager, and Catwell, the event coordinator, had their hands full.

“Juggling multiple roles was key,” admitted Catwell. “We assigned teams, created the schedule, contacted participating schools, secured sponsorships – basically, we did everything!”

The duo expressed immense gratitude to their physical education teacher, Cindy Alleyne for her invaluable guidance throughout the process.

But their vision went beyond just organizing a game. They saw the CAPE Physical Education program as an opportunity to develop essential life skills. “Physical education isn’t just about running around. It teaches time management, scheduling, handling pressure, critical thinking, public speaking, and even dressing appropriately. It truly shapes you as a person,” Catwell maintained.

Their passion for the program was evident in their message: “Keep pushing! It’s not just about physical activity; there’s a written component too. You need to understand the theory behind the practice, but ultimately, it’s a fun subject that teaches you valuable life lessons about your body, fitness, and overall well-being.”

Quincy Jones, representing event sponsor Trident Charity and the founder of the charity, shared his admiration for the students’ initiative.

“Investing in our youth is crucial. These students approached me, already organized with their own tournament plan. It’s inspiring to see young people not just playing sports, but organizing them too,” Jones said.

The well-organized event culminated with Queen’s College emerging victorious. Teams from Ellerslie, St Michael School, St George, and St Leonard’s Boys’ also participated, making it a truly spirited competition.

(CG)