With Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation hosting its inaugural Student-Athlete Development Seminar on Tuesday, several teachers and coaches from various high schools have expressed their appreciation for the initiative.
The seminar was held at the AC Marriott hotel in Kingston where students and coaches were treated with several activities and presentations by experts in the sporting community.
Fraser-Pryce, who was in attendance at the seminar, explained that the event was created to support the various student-athletes across Jamaica.
“This seminar is about you. It is all about you. It was created for you,” Fraser-Pryce addressed the students on Tuesday.
“We want to make sure that, when you walk out of this room this evening, you are equipped, you feel rejuvenated, you feel supported, and you feel that you can do this.”
Her efforts did not go unappreciated, as several teachers took the time to express their gratitude to Fraser-Pryce and her Pocket Rocket Foundation.
Tiffany Edwards, a physical education (PE) teacher at Wolmer’s Boys’ School, said the foundation has been a major platform to support her students in areas where they would otherwise fall short.
“The foundation has been very good for students who have been excelling in their sporting areas,” she said.
“I think it is very important because it assists the guys where they fall short – whether it is financially, or other resources that they may need. I know the guys are very grateful for this initiative from Shelly-Ann.”
Damar Ellis, head of the PE department and coach of Papine High’s volleyball team, echoed her comments.
Ellis said the foundation is a lifeline for students from the inner-city communities who are often in danger of travelling the wrong paths in life if not given the right opportunities.
“The Pocket Rocket Foundation has helped tremendously over the years. We have had quite a number of students who would have benefited from the programme,” he said.
“We currently have two students who are a part of the programme and it has helped a lot. At Papine, most of our students are from the inner-city communities and they have faced so many challenges outside of the school and this has helped them to pursue their goals.”
ALL ACROSS JAMAICA
The foundation has also earned the praises of Knox College’s track and field coach Navarro Walker, for its far-reaching efforts.
Walker explained that, often, schools outside of Jamaica’s Corporate Area struggle to garner support.
He praised Fraser-Pryce for her efforts in also supporting schools from the rural areas.
“Sometimes, a lot of the schools in the rural areas are not getting the spotlight. So it is good to know that, here, the playing field is level and it gives everyone the chance of being supported in whatever they are aiming for.”
