Exciting new sports complex on the horizon for Quickstep

SOHO, New York:

US-based charity, Pencils4Kids (P4K), is getting ready to embark on the second phase of its ambitious plan to establish a state-of-the-art sports complex in Quickstep, St Elizabeth.

Phase one of the sports complex was undertaken last year when the charitable organisation established a playground that brought immense joy to students at Quickstep Primary and Basic School. Now, Pencils4Kids is ready to enhance the facility further by installing new amenities tailored to support the dreams of aspiring footballers and track and field athletes.

During its third annual fundraiser in Manhattan last Thursday evening, enthusiastic donors - both new and seasoned - came together to pledge their support for this transformative initiative, which aims to achieve the once-unimaginable for the Quickstep community.

Pencils4Kids, under the visionary leadership of founder Randy Griffiths, has adopted this often-overlooked area, returning each December with a dedicated group of volunteers to execute meaningful projects.

Griffiths, a certified fitness trainer, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donors for their unwavering support in developing Quickstep.

"Last year we did the playground. This year we are asking you to donate for us to build a soccer field," Griffiths announced to the lively crowd. He inspired the attendees by sharing his vision for future sports stars, stating, "While we're shaping intellects like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, we can also nurture sporting giants from this initiative."

"What about Usain Bolt? What about Lionel Messi? We can't give up on them," Griffiths urged, stressing the importance of giving every child a chance to excel in sports.

Pencils4Kids is already sponsoring the tertiary education of two former Quickstep students: Jewel Smith, who is pursuing a bachelors degree at the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Tavian Montague, now in his second year at William Patterson University in New Jersey.

"We need to implement pathways for these kids to succeed. Not everyone will be a Tavian Montague or a Jewel Smith, but we have talented kids in soccer and track and field." He encouraged guests to "pop out yuh wallet" to help make the dream a reality.

Corrinne Watson-Smith, acting principal of Quickstep Primary, also attended the event, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the donors for their ongoing support.

"I want to extend my gratitude to you. We are overwhelmed each year when the group comes to Jamaica and gives back to our school. The children have benefited immensely from your contributions, and we are eternally grateful," Watson-Smith said.

This year's fundraiser was hosted by The Lede Company and Hornet, both of which count among P4K's dedicated donors. With a goal of raising US$125,000 (approximately J$19.8 million) by December for the mission trip to Jamaica, the evening got off to a promising start, raising nearly US$20,000 (approximately J$3.2 million) before the event even began.

Over the past eight years, Pencils4Kids has invested over $200 million in Quickstep and Jamaica. Their recent efforts included sending equipment to Quickstep and installing solar lights after the devastating Hurricane Beryl left the district without power for weeks.

In addition to their disaster relief efforts, Pencils4Kids has been a driving force for change in the community, working on projects such as levelling the primary school's playing field, building a perimeter fence, donating a school bus, constructing a school library, establishing bus stops, launching a sustainable farming project for school feeding programmes, and providing scholarships to further education.