‘HOOPS FOR HOMES’ CHAMPIONS EMERGE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BLYTHE Rolle and Kyle Rolle, of no direct relation, emerged as the upper and lower champions of the Hoops for Homes initiative that was hosted by Xavier’s Lower School Student of the Year Adrian Dean.

The pair were crowned after a series of shooting competitions yesterday at the school’s basketball court where Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture

Mario Bowleg joined Dean in shooting a few basketballs for the faculty, staff, students and parents in attendance.

Bowleg commended Dean for having the vision to assist those in need through their home affairs.

“I’m just proud to see that a young man is willing to go out there and assist the needy,” he said.

“And the fact that he has the entire staff and Xavier’s School behind him, we decided to come on board and help him in this endeavour.

“We understand that sporting disciplines is used to help people to develop lifelong characters, but we can also use it as a vehicle to help those that are in need in our community.”

In presenting a cheque to Dean to assist in his venture, Bowleg said he’s encouraging his political collegiates and others in the community to assist in events such as this or to form their own initiatives.

“I am very proud of him, and I will continue to monitor this programme and I will assist him as much as I can possibly do so,” Bowleg stated.

Dean, a 10-year-old sixth grader, said although he only swims, he wanted to do something different. “I love basketball. Even though I may not play it, I enjoy it,” he said.

“I just want to help those people who can’t help themselves.

“I just think that we need to help those who we can. I am trying to help an 80-year-old in our community, so if there are persons who want to help, they can contact our school and get on board.”

His mother, Antonya Toote, said when her son decided to start this initiative, she supported him wholeheartedly. “I think it’s very good that he wants to give back to the community. It’s always important when a youth can get involved in lending a helping hand to those who are unable to help themselves, especially the elderly in our community,” she stressed. So, I’m very proud of him.” Toote said while they are trying to raise funds to secure the building materials for the home, they will stretch the donations received as far as they can in getting more homes completed, if possible.