Gift for Life Foundation (GFLF) reaches out to deprived children who have been through a lot during the pandemic, with their mental health has been heavily impacted. In order to elevate the symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological stress, the foundation hosted its grand Sports Day on Sunday 28th August 2022 at Pierre Road Recreational Grounds, Charlieville. Quality time was spent as members were intensively engaged with the underprivileged children during various sporting activities.
The Sports Day certainly gave the children an outlet for personal development. The various sport events such as bunny hop race, team drinking race relay, hardworking dog, diaper derby, water balloon race, and many other competitive races, involved a series of team activities which helped to improve both mental and physical health of the children.
The activities built character and developed strategic thinking, analytical thinking, leadership skills, and goals-setting amongst the 16 children’s homes. Nelson Mandela once said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire and unite people.”
Ezekiel Home and Angel Michael Hostel For Youths added “ this Sports Day also helped our children to build friendships and bonds, and to reignite those connections that were lost during the pandemic. Our children, who suffered with low social connections, are now able to improve their mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and antisocial behaviors.”
According to Ms. Shakuntala Ragoonanan: executive member of GFLF, “most children who suffered mental and physical illnesses were now inspired and united together as they had fun competing with one another in sports. Our sports event truly changed the negative mindset that children and caregivers experienced during the pandemic lockdown.”
Police Officers of the Chinapoo Youth Group told the children, “It’s not about fighting to win races but developing positive experiences and memories that can last a lifetime.”
GFLF considers a sport day to be a valuable tool for fostering communication and building bridges amongst the children’s homes throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
“Such a powerful tool can help children feel good about themselves and they will view competitions on and off the field as opportunities to learn from their success and failure. In addition, losing often motivates children to work even harder” said Ms. Ragoonanan.
Cheers erupted from St. Mary’s Children’s Home when the children heard they won the challenge trophy and 1st Place. Raffa House was placed 2nd, followed by Ezekiel Home for Abandoned Children in 3rd place. Children from the homes burst into tears and hugged each other in celebration.
Though the Sports Day closing ceremony proceeded on as solemnly as before, the mood of the crowd was like the ending of a movie. One of the children from the Angel Michael Hostel (name withheld) said: “We competed well and I am very happy. Always aim for the stars and don’t give up. Though my home did not win the challenge trophy this year, I am not disappointed because all the children had fun and I made new friends and I am leaving feeling more confident with myself.”
GFLF continues to change the lives of children throughout the country and is inviting all citizens to join the foundation in giving love to children. Children within orphanages need that added human touch to blossom into beautiful young leaders for tomorrow’s challenges. A HUGE thank you to all the sponsors who made this event a success.
Upcoming events are : Back to School Drive and Mental Awareness Workshops, Divali Programme, and A Grand Christmas Motorcade to 30 Children’s Homes.
Send an email to giftforlifefoundation2009@hotmail.com or call 672 5157 for more information.
Direct contributions can be made to RBC ACCT# – 1000- 9011- 0226- 148
