A pilot project called “Nurturing Child Friendly Environments through Sports for Development and Healthy Living” is currently being implemented in Speyside, Tobago by the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance For Sport and Physical Education (TTASPE) with the support of the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), Tobago House of Assembly, the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society, NGO, the BARCAM and UNICEF.

   The project, designed to prevent violence and HIV and AIDS in communities, is specially oriented to transfer capacities to individuals and local organizations for them to promote their own holistic development through a combination of interventions in the fields of sports and culture. The community-based Eastside Dynamic Achievers Culture Sports Club has been recently created in Speyside by community members with the purpose to promote positive activities for the community, especially for their children and youth.

   In this context, the Caribbean youth program Game On! Youth Sports is one of the sport interventions that is been implemented in Speyside.

   The program reinforces the physical education curriculum of pre- and primary schools through the systematization of the best dynamics and sport activities, the delivery of specialized training for teachers and volunteers and the donation of equipment adapted to all ages. The methodology places special emphasis on the implementation of fun activities for all the kids while taking advantage of teachable moments to educate on life skills and values.

   A total of 25 community members have been trained as Game On! Youth Sports facilitators in Speyside and a Game On! Committee integrated by teachers and community volunteers is now operative. The Game On! Committee has the responsibility of supporting the sport activities of the pre- and primary school and other special sports events and competitions in Speyside.

   Traditional sports environments cater to those who have the talent and where the emphasis is on winning. In Game On! Youth Sports all kids, regardless of skill level, body type, gender or skin color ALL get an opportunity to play. Game On! also promotes a culture of responsibility: For ensuring that nobody is left out of the game; for collecting, sharing and securing equipment; and for helping your peers to be successful. Game On! also promotes respect for the volunteer coaches; for peers; and for parents.

   Every Friday afternoon, when the weather allows it, the entire Primary School population of 62 girls and boys is brought to Speyside Savannah in order to practice sports under the supervision of the teachers and the support of the Game On! committee members. The students have the opportunity to practice different disciplines with equipment appropriate to their age and physical condition, and to play games and activities that allow the participation of everyone in a protective environment that promotes the learning of life skills and values.

   During the month of March the Game On! Committee also supported the pre and primary schools Sports and Family Days.

   Game On! is intended to be sustainable in Speyside through its coordination under the EDACSC, and the support from government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

   TTASPE and its partners will continue reinforcing the capacity of teachers, volunteers and local organizations to deliver a quality physical education for children contributing to build healthy communities in Trinidad and Tobago.