Charlestown Secondary School girls won the title at the inaugural ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Under-14 tournament and were promised $300,000 towards a school project of their choice. That promise was fulfilled on Thursday.
Officials of the oil company visited the school where they were welcomed by numerous smiling students and teachers. The school has decided to use the funds to purchase football cleats to further attire and train both the boys and girls team.
Deedra Moe, ExxonMobil’s local Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, charged the pupils to be leaders and continue to excel.
“We want to congratulate you. Your head teacher spoke about giving only your and their [the girl] best was better than anyone else and that was so exciting”.
Moe added, “One of the things at ExxonMobil is education is very important, but so is developing yourself outside of school as well. Youth development through sports is something that we also support because it develops leadership skills so whether it is through sports or other extra-curricular activities which often helps you in your school work. Just continue to look for things that you are passionate about.”
Charlestown played an enterprising tournament and won the final 3-0 against East Ruimveldt on July 21 at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. Highest goal scorer Donna Lowe and Most Valuable player Shania Easton were given individual vouchers, compliments of Colours Boutique to outfit themselves with football gear.
Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of Petra Organisation, applauded the students for being able to find the balance between sports and academics.
“Parents and even pupils are very skeptical of participating in sports. We think it goes hand-in-hand and we are very happy to see this school come out here today in full support of these young ladies. I do hope they can become leaders for the school and leaders in their own right.”
The runners-up won $200,000, while third and fourth took were awarded $100,00 and $50,000 respectively, all of which went towards school projects. The Boys’ category was won by Chase Academic Foundation.
