Postal Service Sports Club Launches its ‘Summer Rally’

Amb Stewart Stephenson, KSAFA President, ‘kicks off’ the introductory football match heralding the start of the Post and Telecommunications Department’s Sports Club’s ‘Summer Rally’ sports tournament, held at the Central Sorting Office (CSO) on July 6, 2007. The event runs until August 24 (finals), with an awards/closing ceremony on August 31.

Apart from the usual prevailing excitement prior to the much anticipated launch of the Post and Telecommunications Department’s Sports Club’s ‘Summer Rally’, there was heightened anxiety awaiting the revelation of the ‘dress parade’ winner and an address by the Guest Speaker, two of many elements being introduced to ‘spice things up’ this year.

The ‘Summer Rally’ is a series of staff sporting events undertaken by the Post and Telecommunications Department’s Sports Club (P&TSC) that fosters cohesiveness, and allows talented sporting enthusiasts to display their skills. It also has the added advantage of generating significant interaction with members of communities in the vicinity of the Central Sorting Office (CSO), where the events will be held.

The Guest Speaker was none other than Ambassador Stewart Stephenson, President of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA). In his remarks he stated that he anticipated full adherence to discipline, with all teams complying with the referees’ or other officials’ decisions. He urged the players to temper the exuberance of their interaction to avoid injuries, heed the spirit of the games, promote togetherness, and enjoy the ‘summer rally’. The KSAFA executive was careful to remind supporters to eschew unsportsmanlike behaviour, as “this has no place in any form of sporting endeavour”.

A section of the jubilant crowd during the dress parade.

Photos by Gordon Brown

Postmaster General/CEO, Michael Gentles, in his address, congratulated the new P&TSC for its energy, foresight, and impressive staff relationship that lead to the tremendous participation. After the festivities, the gathering was treated to a dress parade of the teams. Many giveaways and cheerleading shouts later, the introductory football match heralding the start of the tournament was ‘kicked off’ by Ambassador Stephenson.

The P&TSC is now under new management, and this ‘eager-to-please’ team has come up with a number of sporting events rather than only football and netball as was the previous orientation. Also included are: dominoes, basketball, cheerleading and table tennis.

P&TSC successfully sought sponsorship from a list of high-profile companies and their excellent products: Red Stripe, Guiness; Eclipse sugar-free gum from Cari-Med, and Tampico drinks from Big-Jo. All were very visible and enjoyed by everyone. Additionally, the financial assistance from Damark Ltd was well utilised.

The ‘summer rally’ ends with the finals on August 24, and the Awards and closing ceremony on Aug 31 at the CSO car park will allow those teams and individuals to be highlighted to get their ‘moment in the spotlight’. Sports newscasters will broadcast ongoing results as the competition progresses, as well as provide coverage of the awards function. The P&TSC president, Rohan Gunter (of ‘Comedy Buss 2006’ fame) extended an invitation to the public to come and support the matches and share in the ‘vibes’.