Often in this space we point readers to the value of sport and recreation in human development.

Physical fitness, discipline, mental strength, speed of thought and action are all benefits that can be gained in outdoor sporting competitions.

And, of course, in a growing number of athletic activities, there is good money to be made in an increasingly professional world.

We need only consider Jamaica’s top performers in such sports as football, track and field, cricket, et al, to appreciate the magnitude and potential of sport.

In Friday’s edition of this newspaper we were reminded that there are also huge benefits from sporting competitions that do not involve vigorous, outdoor physical activity.

We refer to a young man whose discovery of dominoes as an enjoyable pastime transformed his life.

We are told that former Mona High School student Mr Tahje Wallen struggled to concentrate in his early years at school. His mind would wander and his grades would suffer, our reporter, Mr Ruddy Allen tells us.

That was until he was drafted or, as our reporter puts it, “stumbled upon” the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB) summer camp in 2010.

Organisers sought to use dominoes as a tool for developing strategic/critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Anyone who has ever played dominoes can readily relate.

To play the game well a participant should be able to recall, as much as is possible, the cards played by others at the table. It’s a big help if, based on cards played by others, one can ‘read’ as to the reasons such a play had been made. That analysis will help one to determine how best to take advantage based on cards in hand.

Contrary to what some may think, dominoes, like many other board games, is a true test and trainer of mental acuity.

We are told that after his domino summer camp, Mr Wallen began to “see the world in a new light, as a place where every move had consequences and every decision mattered”.

His confidence grew and so did his grades, especially in mathematics and the sciences.

His success carried through to a bachelor of science degree in accounting at from the University of Technology, Jamaica.

Anxious to give back, Mr Wallen, in partnership with other young people, has involved himself in youth and community development. The projects have included encouraging the use of dominoes as an educational tool.

Such has been his contribution Mr Wallen has earned the 2024 Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence in Nation Building.

Mr Humbert Davis, an executive of the NADB, insists that Mr Wallen’s success story is not a one-off. Says he: “We’ve witnessed numerous instances where our domino programme has helped students who were previously struggling…”

We believe this is testimony to the value of sport and recreation in education should be an inspiration and example to all, not least educators, some of whom unfortunately struggle to think outside the straight and narrow.