DUTCH QUARTER--Commissioner of sports, Frans Richardson, officially opened the new sports court in Dutch Quarter by taking a free throw yesterday.
Members of the community, many of whom were school children, were on hand as the lighted sports court located next to the Dutch Quarter Community Center and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, was opened with a brief ceremony. Government signed the financing agreement for the court, which can be used for many sports including basketball and volleyball, in March.
"Today, I have the distinct honour of seeing a dream become reality," said the commissioner. "Even before taking office, it has always been my belief that sports and sports facilities are important for our youth. We need to facilitate our youth in any way possible--in endeavors whereby their time and their mind is used more productively."
The commissioner went on to tell the small gathering sport venues, when properly cared for and used, can help keep the youth out of jail. "As I have done in the past, once more I ask of the community that you consider this court and all other places where sports are practiced as valuable resources. I ask you to help take care of this basketball court. It has to remain a place where young people want to come to play basketball in a nice, safe and clean environment."