News

The La Plaine community celebrated a major milestone with the official commissioning of a state-of-the-art basketball court, bringing renewed hope and energy to youth sports in the area.

The new facility, equipped with lighting and multi-sport markings, is set to become a hub for athletic activity and community engagement.

Hon. Dr. Cassandra Williams, Member of Parliament for La Plaine, hailed the facility as a symbol of transformation and empowerment.

“Today, we not only unveil a renovated sporting facility, but we also recommit ourselves to empowering our youth, building stronger communities, and laying the foundation for a healthier, more united La Plaine,” Dr. Williams said. “This court is more than just concrete—it is a space for growth, excellence, camaraderie, and resilience.”

Dr. Williams emphasized the facility’s alignment with her nine-pillar agenda for constituency transformation, highlighting sports as a vital pillar for youth development, national pride, and social cohesion.

Minister for Sports, Hon. Oscar George, commended the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition. “We are delighted to support this very important milestone. Since last year, we have worked closely with the Parliamentary Representative and the Lottery Commission to bring this facility to life,” he said.

He also praised the active involvement of the community, particularly the newly formed La Plaine Sports Development Committee. “It's not often that young people step up to lead. I especially commend Mr. Dirk Saint-Jean and the committee for their dedication to advancing the sports agenda in La Plaine,” George added. “Investments like these do more than promote sports—they help steer young people away from negative activities and stimulate economic activity on weekends.”

Sports Coordinator, Mr. Trevor Shillingford, highlighted the long-anticipated completion of the court and its wide-ranging potential. “This project has been in the making for a long time. It’s now a complete package—with a hard court, proper lighting, and multipurpose markings for basketball, netball, and soon, volleyball,” he said.

He stressed the importance of grassroots development. “To achieve true sports development, we must start at the community level. This court offers an excellent opportunity to nurture talent and revive La Plaine’s legacy of competitive basketball,” Shillingford stated.

The event was celebrated under the theme “Elevate the Game, Empower the Community,” reflecting the broader vision of using sports as a tool for unity, discipline, and national development. The court is already seen as a beacon of hope, especially for young athletes eager for a space to train, play, and grow.