Gift For Life hosts sports day for 16 children's homes

Gift for Life Foundation (GFLF) hosted a sports day for children from 16 homes that was geared at releasing some of the depression, anxiety and psychological stress, resulting from the pandemic.

The foundation's members engaged the children in sporting activities such as bunny hop race, team drinking race relay, hard-working dog, diaper derby, water balloon race and other competitive events. The activities built character and developed strategic thinking, analytical thinking, leadership skills and goal-setting amongst the 16 children’s homes involved, a media release said.

A spokesman for Ezekiel Home and Angel Michael Hostel For Youths said the sports day, held on August 28, "helped our children to build friendships and bonds and to reignite those connections that were lost during the pandemic. Our children who suffered with low social connections are now able to improve their mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression and anti-social behaviours,” the release said.

Executive member of GFLF Shakuntala Ragoonanan said in the release, “Most children who suffered mental and physical illnesses were now inspired and united together as they had fun competing with one another in sports. Our sports event truly changed the negative mindset that children and caregivers experienced during the pandemic lockdown.”

GFLF said it considers a sport day a valuable tool for fostering communication and building bridges amongst the children’s homes throughout TT.

Ragoonanan said, “Such a powerful tool can help children feel good about themselves and they will view competitions on and off the field as opportunities to learn from their success and failure. In addition, losing often motivates children to work even harder,”

Cheers erupted from the St Mary’s Children’s Home participants when they heard they had won the challenge trophy and first place. Raffa House was second, followed by Ezekiel Home for Abandoned Children. Children from the homes burst into tears and hugged each other in celebration, the release said. One child from the Angel Michael Hostel said, “We competed well and I am very happy. Always aim for the stars and don’t give up. Though my home did not win the challenge trophy this year, I am not disappointed, because all the children had fun and I made new friends and I am leaving feeling more confident with myself.”

GFLF said it continues to change the lives of children and is inviting everyone to join the foundation in giving love to children. "Children in orphanages need that added human touch to blossom," it said.

For more info and to contribute to the foundation's programme and events visit: www.giftforlifefoundationtt.com; e-mail giftforlifefoundation2009@hotmail.com; or 672-5157. Direct contributions can be made to RBC acct number 1000-9011-0226-148 or FCB acct number 1772- 987.