The 600 children who currently participate in the Play and Stay tennis programme in several Central Kingston and St Andrew rural and inner-city basic schools received a sponsorship boost of US$9,200 from the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) on April 14.

What makes this funding so very critical to the development of these young, vulnerable children is that structured play time is a critical missing element in the harsh urban landscape that surrounds the basic schools.

Tennis Jamaica fills this gap with a coordinated programme led by experienced tennis coaches.

President of the AFJ, Ambassador Brenda Johnson, herself an educator from the United States, applauded the efforts of Tennis Jamaica to reach out to children who need a boost to their physical education curriculum.

Tennis Jamaica promotes the “Play and Stay” programme which involves assigning tennis coaches to basic schools. Each week, up to 100 children receive tennis training. Not only does this training boost physical activity, but develops social skills needed to help them to become better able to cope with life’s challenges.

The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) requires that children receive several hours of play each week. The Tennis Jamaica Play and Stay programme provides a needed boost to allow administrators of basic schools to meet the ECC requirements.

Funding from the AFJ will allow for continued tennis programmes in the eight schools that participated last year, as well as the inclusion of four new basic schools.