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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesJust Play Day Set for Monday

Just Play Day Set for Monday

The fourth annual Just Play Day will be held Monday at Winston Wells Ballfield in Cruz Bay. The event provides a day of sports for youth ages 5 to 17.

Sponsored by Using Sport for Social Change in conjunction with the St. John Community Foundation and the territory’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Just Play Day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our fourth annual event will once again keep kids active and competitive in a fun and friendly environment,” organizer Dean Doeling said.

Students have the day off from school to observe Columbus Day and Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day.

The number of participants is limited to 150 youths and 75 volunteers.

Pre-registration at Using Sport for Social Change’s website is required for all participants and volunteers.

Each participant and volunteer will receive a free event T-shirt and reusable water bottle. At Just Play Day’s conclusion, each participant will be given a free sports bag filled with Nike products.

The day consists of activities such as the 50-yard dash, football throws, soccer kicks and relay, and basketball shots. In addition to the games, tennis and volleyball skills will be demonstrated.

Participants will rotate through sports stations to compete for first place trophies and second and third place medals. Individuals will compete against other youths in their same age group.

The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. with Festival Princess Shanell H. Thomas singing both the national and territorial anthems.

University of the Virgin Islands basketball coach Sean Georges is the featured speaker. He’ll address the participants at about 3:30 p.m.

Just Play Day includes a complimentary lunch catered by Mathayom Private Chefs as well as drinks and snacks for all participants and volunteers.

Disk jockey Adonis will play music throughout the day. Brenda Rector-Wallace will serve as the event moderator.

Using Sport for Social Change’s primary purpose is to support local sporting programs with fundraising, community education and sporting equipment donated through Nike. The organization is also trying to resurrect some failed sporting programs and provide play days where kids from all classes and cultures can come together for and participate in sports-based games and skill challenges.

Sponsors are still needed, Doeling said.

For more information and to register, visit www.usingsportforsocialchange.com.

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