The Tribune

THE Bahamas national beach soccer team took some time away from its busy training schedule to celebrate Christmas with more than 40 students with down syndrome and other developmental challenges and disabilities last week.

Clad in Bahamas jerseys, elf hats and reindeer antlers, the beach soccer players arrived at the Down Syndrome Centre on Village Road with high energy and gifts for each of the students.

After exchanging several high fives and hugs, the students were ready to learn some beach soccer skills. They were taught tricks and tips from some of The Bahamas’ top beach soccer stars.

“It was an honour for us to spend time with these amazing kids and adults. We wanted to not only have some fun with them this holiday season, but also show them that there are no limits to what they can do or achieve. They all had smiles on their faces and really enjoyed playing soccer with us. Honestly, I think we learned more from them than they learned from us,” said Gavin Christie, captain of the Bahamas beach soccer team.

The Bahamas Down Syndrome and Friends Centre is a learning facility for children and adults with down syndrome and other disabilities.

The centre currently facilitates 44 adults and children. 

“We want to say thanks to the beach soccer team for being a part of our Christmas celebration. We are so grateful to them and to the entire community for seeing how special our kids are and that they do have a purpose and are valued,” said Cheryl Newell, president of the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association.

The Bahamas Football Association and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017 Local Organising Committee partnered with the Bahamas Down Syndrome Association to plan the Christmas party.

The students were treated to a fun day of soccer, games, bouncing castle, pizza, cake and gifts.

Each student received a Bahamas soccer jersey. The team also donated several soccer balls to the centre for its Saturday soccer programme.

All of the students, their teachers and their families will attend the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Bahamas 2017 as special guests of the Bahamas national beach soccer team.

The event is scheduled for April 27 to May 7 next year.