TWO PROFESSIONAL-GRADE, NBA-STYLE ELITE BASKETBALLS WERE PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST MADE BY ONE OF THE RESIDENTS.

In a continued show of support for Saint Lucia’s youth, the Botham Jean Foundation has once again partnered with the Boys Training Centre (BTC), this time delivering on a heartfelt request made during the Centre’s recent 65th Anniversary celebrations.

At that milestone event, one of the BTC residents appealed for basketballs to enhance recreational activities at the facility. The Botham Jean Foundation not only heard the request but went a step further, presenting two professional-grade, NBA-style Elite basketballs to the Centre.

The presentation was made by Senator Alison Jean, mother of the late Botham Jean and a key figure in the Foundation’s leadership. In handing over the equipment to BTC officials, Senator Jean remarked on the symbolism of the gift, noting, “The Botham Jean Foundation has acceded to the request of the young men and is pleased to present two basketballs. We ensured that we got elite basketballs because we believe that they have the potential to rise to elite status. And so, I am here today to hand over the two basketballs to the gentlemen at the Boys Training Centre.”

The gesture, while seemingly simple, was significant for the residents and staff. BTC Manager Leanna Wallace expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the Centre and the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment. 

“It’s always a pleasure to be working with you because you always assist us, always help us. We are very grateful that there are still members of the community who feel the need to partner and help our most vulnerable set of individuals, which are our male children. It may seem like a little thing, but I know it’s a lot because this will help these young boys release some of their energy. Hopefully, one day we will see one of them become an elite basketball player on the international scene. On behalf of Permanent Secretary Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel, Minister Hon. Joachim Henry, and the entire BTC staff and residents, I want to say thank you for this wonderful initiative."

Also in attendance at the handover were Bertram Jean, father of Botham Jean, and other members of the Jean family, reinforcing the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to nurturing Saint Lucia’s youth and honouring Botham’s enduring legacy through acts of empowerment and community building.