In another attempt to build the sport, the National Association of Domino Bodies (NABD) has partnered with the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), under the Advancing Deaf Kidz Jamaica (ADKJ) Project, and the Deaf Sports Jamaica (DSJ) to host a domino programme among 12 schools for the deaf across the island.

The new partnership, which will see the deaf students benefiting from an educational boost through sports, was launched by Lister Mair/Gilby High School for the Deaf in Hope Estate, Papine, last Thursday.

In addition to the programme, the DSJ has introduced domino to this year’s National Deaf Sports Day, in which the 12 selected schools for the deaf across the island will compete against each other on November 27 and 28.

Explaining the concept behind the programme, vice-president of the NADB, Humbert Davis, said that not only is dominoes an entertaining sport, it is also an excellent way to develop an individual’s mental ability.

“Domino is a game which emphasises development and retention through play. Thus, in addition to having fun, deaf students will have the distinct advantage of improved mental acuity which it is hoped will improve their performance in subject areas like mathematics and science,” Davis told the Jamaica Observer.

“The exercises are also expected to build the confidence and self esteem in participants. Thus, with an aim to focus on areas in which deaf students can use their strengths to build up themselves,” he continued.

Dr Iris Soutar, executive officer of the JAD, explained that people tend to associate a number of negative attributes to people who have hearing loss and with the introduction of the domino programme, it can bring out some positives within the students.

“Deafness is not a limitation and does not prevent an individual from accomplishing greatness. We welcome the NADB on this campaign for empowering deaf children through sports. I am confident that this initiative will significantly contribute to building the children’s confidence and self-esteem which in turn, will help them to speak out against abuse,” she said.

In addition to the 24 packs of dominoes and playing tables for each of the projected 12 participating schools for the deaf, the NADB will also provide professional coaches, training guides for coaches and training journals for students.

The participating schools are JAD Pre-School, Danny Williams Primary School for the Deaf, Lister Mair/Gilby High School for the Deaf, JAD Excelsior Unit, May Pen Unit for the Deaf, St Christopher’s School for the Deaf, Port Antonio Unit for the Deaf, Caribbean Christian School for the Deaf, CCCD Montego Bay, CCCD Knockpatrick, Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf, and Maranatha School for the Deaf.