Neighbourhood firm champions sporting ambitions at Welches Primary

Students at Welches Primary School were urged to seize sporting opportunities as neighbourhood firm Equip4you unveiled its sponsorship of the school’s cricket, netball and football teams.

Addressing the young athletes of the Welches Wolves, the Barbados Cricket Association’s Marketing Director, Stephen Leslie, stressed that sport is more than recreation — it is a gateway to lifelong discipline, opportunity and personal growth.

“Sports will provide you with opportunities that you would never have thought about in your journey,” he told the students, urging them to recognise the significance of the moment.

Leslie commended the Principal Julia Broomes, teacher and academy coordinator Jason Parris, and sponsor Equip4You Director Sam Johnson for their commitment to the children’s development.

Drawing on two decades at the University of the West Indies, Leslie spoke about the capacity of sport to forge connections and propel young people beyond Barbados. He recalled travelling throughout the Caribbean — sometimes in excess of 20 times to a single island — as part of sports programmes that opened doors for him.

He also shared a vivid memory from Jamaica, witnessing a race featuring Olympic champion Usain Bolt. Leslie noted how even those athletes who finished third, fourth and fifth were scouted and subsequently received scholarships because of the talent they displayed.

“That’s what I want to say to you young boys and girls today,” he said. “Programmes like this will also afford you the opportunity to be able to expand beyond Barbados.”

Leslie encouraged the boys and girls to look beyond their next school or exam, and to consider how their talents might pave global pathways. He reminded them that Barbados has produced world-renowned figures, from Rihanna to cricket legends such as Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle — all of whom sat in classrooms just like theirs.

Crucially, he emphasised that opportunities in sport are expanding for both genders, noting that the sporting world is no longer dominated solely by men.

“Your name is what is most important,” he told the gathering. “Whatever you do, build your name. Purpose in your mind that you will be the next superstar.”

Johnson highlighted Equip4you’s pride in supporting the school, saying its partnership with Welches Primary “has grown into a very meaningful relationship” and is one he hopes will continue to flourish.

Regional WM manager at Lyfstyl Caribbean, Shakira Doughlin, encouraged students to embrace the personal growth, exposure and collaboration that sport offers. She shared how her own journey in athletics took her around the world and ultimately influenced her career in the fitness industry.

Barbados Under-15 captain and Welches Primary alumnus Justin Parris urged the young athletes to “enjoy sports as much as possible and stay serious… stay determined.”

Parris also spoke of the strong bonds and life lessons sport creates, telling the students that mistakes are part of learning and growth.

(LE)