By Sue-Ann Wayow
TO assist in deterring young people from a life of crime and violence, a martial arts programme to encourage peace, oneness and harmony is being rolled out in five high-risk areas.
The Judo and Oneness with Youth (Joy) Programme funded by the United Kingdom (UK) was launched on Wednesday at the St Patrick’s Newton RC School.
In attendance were Minister of Sports and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe, British High Commissioner Harriet Cross, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee Diane Henderson and members of the Judo fraternity.
Also delivering remarks was Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Americas and Caribbean Minister David Rutley.
“This UK-funded programme will make a difference in the lives of young people, helping put them on a positive path to achieve their goals,” he said.
Rutley said, “Young people are most impacted by growing violence in society. This programme, funded by the UK, sets out to teach the principles of Judo martial arts to foster the avenues of peace, oneness and harmony amongst youth and have fun while doing so.”
About the programme, Rutley said the Judo Academy of Trinidad and Tobago will facilitate it over a period of seven months.
It will be rolled out in five schools across high-risk areas in both Trinidad and Tobago.
He recognised, the importance of Judo to the St Patrick’s Newtown Boys R.C. School.
Classes at the school will be held on a weekly basis with over 60 pupils.
Rutley said, “I am happy to see that this school has a long history of excellence in sports, particularly in judo. Under the stewardship of Sensai Lopez, one of your alumni, Jeillon Jackman, won a gold medal at the Barbados International Judo Tournament in 2014.
It was wonderful to hear that Jeillon has gone on to participate in many national and international competitions, a proud moment for the school and nation.”
