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Jubilant jumps, shouts and screams could be witnessed on the grounds of the Kaiser Sports Complex as the parishioners of St. Ann were triumphant in the North Jamaica Mission Sports Day and Women’s Creative Fest Competition held on Independence Day, August 6, 2009.

“I am feeling quite ecstatic about our winning!” said Marlon Brown from the St. Ann’s Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Mission-wide Sports day and Creative Fest were held together for the first time with Mrs. Rachel Pyne, Women’s Ministries Director and Pastor Gary Buddoo-Fletcher, Youth Director coordinating the event.

“Each year we seek to develop exciting activities for our youth to display their talents and sportsmanship so that they can feel involved and not become restless in their service to God and the church. After all, we have to develop not only the spiritual, but the social and physical aspects of our youth and members in our church,” said Pastor Buddoo-Fletcher.

In the track and field events, the St. Ann’s Bay Seventh-day Adventist church won the District-wide Championship Trophy, while the Salem District came in second place. Only five districts participated in this event. Rajiv Adier, captain of the St. Ann’s Bay team explained, “We came out organized and ready, and I am pleased with the outcome. We were pretty confident.”

Excitement on the tracks heightened with the pastors and officers race. Pastor Michael Harvey, Elder Dane Ellis, Pastors Alanzo Whyte, Czedale Smallwood and Romain Smith took their starting position. “This race I have to see because I have never seen pastors run before”, said one anxious spectator.

Many bets were placed on their favourite Pastor. However it was Czedale who eased across the finishing line first, followed by Pastor Harvey in second position and Pastor Romain Smith in third position. The other three events - netball, volley ball and cricket - were played as a parish competition and St. Ann won over Trelawny.

The Trelawny football team came donned in their black and red jerseys. They took the trophy home feeling satisfied with their victory over the St. Ann team. Bryan Warren, the captain of the Trelawny team stated, “It was a good game, we played some good ball today and we defended and scored our goals. I am happy that we won."

Brown's Town, Champion in Women's Creative Fest

The women from Brown’s Town Seventh-day Adventist Church were the champions in NJM’s first Creative Fest Competition. Alvira Scarlett, the Women’s Ministries Coordinator said, “We had a group of ladies who were very willing and capable. This win has made me very proud of our team effort.”

The Brown’s Town ladies also secured the trophy for the most variety, while St. Ann’s Bay placed second. St. Ann’s Bay also received first place trophy in the category of most creative, while Deeside gained second place trophy. In the category of most original, Ocho Rios obtained the first place trophy, and Colgate received second place trophy.

The items on display showcased the creative use of yam and coconut highlighting items in the food and beverage area such as: hard-time coconut stew, coconut banana bread, yam run down, coconut roll, nutty coconut carrot cake, yam fruit cake, yam cheese cake, coconut drops, yam stew, yam juice and many more.

In the art and craft section, items made from the coconut plant were: straw bags, bats, balls, hats, coconut bags, grater, sifter, hair accessories, paintings, drawings and a host of other creative items. All the displays were beautifully arranged and very pleasing.

Mrs. Rachel Pyne, the Women’s Ministries Director, explained, “The turnout could have been better, we know the capabilities of the women in North Jamaica Mission who have been strong supporters to many of our events. However, I was pleased with those who participated. The displays were beautiful and the effort was great. I am encouraged by this programme and will definitely be doing it again next year.”