The British High Commission has donated rugby kit and equipment to the T&T Schools Rugby Union (TTSRU).
British High Commissioner John Dean says among the items the TTRSU will benefit from are clothing and training gear.
He said, "The kit includes items such as hoodies, polos, shorts, socks, tops, track suits bottoms and tops, tackle shields, kit bags, boots, pads and balls. I am confident that the TTSRU would ensure that this kit reaches the schools and students who need it most."
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at his official residence in Maraval on Friday, Dean thanked the donor.
"The kits we are donating today come from SOS Kit AID, a UK-based charity which recycles sports gear. SOS Kit AID is a global initiative which harnesses the power of rugby and the power of sport to make a lasting impact on young lives, empowers and enriches the lives of young people, values that resonate with us deeply at the High Commission," said Dean.
The United Kingdom's top diplomat is upbeat that the donation will aid the local schools' rugby body to achieve its goals.
"I am confident that the TTSRU would ensure that this kit reaches the schools and students who need it most. The TTSRU theme this year, 'Bridging the Gap, the Power of Passing On,' perfectly captures the spirit of today's event."
He added: "It reflects a vision of sharing knowledge, of sharing resources and the opportunity to empower the next sector. It is about building bridges between schools and communities and between our two countries. I am especially encouraged by the TTSRU's intention to extend this donation to rural schools and schools in Tobago, ensuring the young people in every part of the country benefit. This inclusive approach mirrors the UK Government's belief that sport should be accessible to all."
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry and Community Development, Senator David Nahkid, encouraged the British High Commission to make similar efforts in other sports.
He said, "This is momentous. It shows that the UK is not only about talk. They have shown a clear commitment to all of you in the rugby community. I want to see this in all sports because this is what will place us in a position to demand of our young people that they give their best. We have to bring something to them and then hold them to account. We can't hold them to account if we don't give them the facilities. It is as clear as that."
Nahkid further said that the contribution brings light to the beneficiaries in keeping with the theme of the "Festival of Light" to be celebrated on Monday.
"In the season of Divali, this is an action that represents light as far as I am concerned because what we miss here in T&T is giving our young people the facilities to encourage their dreams, their vision, their aspirations, their ambitions for themselves.
President of the TTSRU Patrice Des Vignes praised High Commissioner Dean for the gesture.
"Today I stand here with great gratitude and pleasure. We appreciate it. On behalf of the TTSRU, our schools, teachers, parents and our students. We appreciate this. We are deeply honoured and thankful for the generous support. Sir, your contribution of kits and sporting equipment will go a long way in supporting the student athletes across the various schools within Trinidad and Tobago and it is not just Trinidad. It is T&T," said Des Vignes, who added that the acquisition of gears was one of her goals.
"I am emotional (at this time). This is something I have been praying and asking for key persons, for corporate to come on board with us to help schools' rugby. These resources will be useful and will help our students into elite sportsmen. Not just about sport but about education and development.
"It's partners like you, sir, who empower us to nurture our sportsmen into becoming excellent persons in sports. It just ties in with our theme for this year, 'Bridging the Gap, the Power of Passing On'. You will hear more about us as school rugby is the incubator for national clubs."