BELLEFIELD, Manchester — Sporting activities have been boosted at Bellefield High following last week’s opening of a hard court built by funds expended through the Sports Development Foundation (SDF).

The school, located a few miles north-east of Mandeville, with a population of about 1,400 students, has been credited for nurturing and shaping many athletes and sporting talents.

Sports Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, in addressing the opening ceremony last Thursday, has also pledged to ensure that a bathroom facility and changing rooms are constructed at the hard court site. The location is behind the school and is accessed by going a few hundred metres uphill from the main campus.

“On my way here I said to myself: I hope when SDF built this court, because it is a distance from the school, that they have bathrooms. When I arrived there was a lovely portaloo, which I understand cost a good penny and I said to myself: We have to build bathrooms here,” said Grange.

“Through the Sports Development Foundation, your minister of sports will ensure that you get bathrooms and changing rooms built for your hard court,” Grange added while being greeted with loud applause from her audience.

She gave a breakdown as to the expenditure to build the multipurpose hard court.

“It will cost a pretty penny, and I should tell you this hard court, the work commenced on June 10, 2024 and was completed June 26, 2024 at a cost of $3.3 million. Then the fencing work commenced on September 11, 2024 and was completed September 26, 2024 at a cost of $1.4 million. Then the goals were installed on November 21, 2024 and the markings were done on November 21, 2024 and the total cost here is $5,271,255, that is what we have provided you with, a multiple purpose court,” she said.

She commended the school’s principal, Paul Grant, for his advocacy to get the hard court built.

“I was deeply touched by Principal Grant’s letter outlining the school’s journey towards acquiring this very essential facility, and I want to indicate to you today that your determination to overcome the challenge of not having a proper court, using the car park as a substitute, teaching in their high heels spike shoes, dodging between cars and ball, it exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, you have to be commended for that,” she said.

“Mr Principal, coupled with the support of the board of management, I want to say to you, it speaks volumes about your commitment to the holistic development of your students and displays a remarkable show of partnership,” she added.

Grange also commended Manchester Central Member of Parliament Rhoda Crawford for lobbying for the hard court and its official opening.

“This new multipurpose court is more than just a place to play games, it is an investment in the future of you, our youth, our young people, it provides a safe and modern space for you as students and student athletes to engage in physical activity and learn team work,” said Grange.

“I firmly believe that access to quality sporting facilities is a fundamental right for all Jamaicans and our sports policy is titled ‘sports for all’. It is through sports that we build character, we promote social inclusion, we nurture talent that can shine on the national and international stage,” she added.

Grant reflected on the challenges previously faced by students and staff while using the parking area for sporting activities.

“We had an uneven surface impacting students’ feet as they landed from shooting a goal or defending for the ball. Also, when it rained it would become riddled with holes, which we patched very so often. This has been the trend for decades from 1969 to present for a high school who has produced many notable greats and has had many successes without a proper hard court,” he said.

“As a school, we are involved in many sporting disciplines, such as track and field, football, netball, and basketball,” he added.