Hurricane Gonzalo’s anticipated arrival caused Just Play Day organizer Dean Doeling to shorten the event Monday by about one and a half hours, but the 120 youths who came out still had plenty of time to kick soccer balls, run relays, and throw basketballs and footballs.
“I don’t want to disappoint them but I don’t want to put them in harm’s way,” Doeling said just before the sixth annual event began at Winston Wells ballfield.
The sun was still shining when the event started but some rain fell midmorning. Doeling said they just went inside to eat lunch when a deluge came down. By the time they went outside, the skies had cleared.
The youths were psyched to get out on the field with their friends.
Basketball was the favorite of the Fessale brothers, Dante, 10, and Leon, 11. Both Julius E. Sprauve School students, they arrived with their father for the fun.
“They’ll get exercise,” dad Leroy Fessale said as they arrived.
Sprauve student Kinae Lindo, 11, said she liked kickball best. “You kick the ball high and you run,” she said.
Her aim was to win a trophy or a medal. Lindo was gabbing with fellow Sprauve student Kayla Modeste, 10, who said she likes kicking a soccer ball best – and hanging out with her friends.
Another youth, Charlie Palminteri, 12, had a special interest in the event. He spearheaded a program to rehabilitate the ballfield. It looks a lot better than it used to.
“But it needs water,” he said, running off on the slightly brownish grass.
Other parents were on hand to sign up their children. Symone James brought her son Symeon Faust, 5, to play. She said there were not a lot of play events for children his age, and she was happy he had a chance for the experience.
“It teaches them different skills and working together,” she said.
This event runs on volunteers and 35 were on hand Monday.
“I love working with the kids and doing something for the island,” volunteer Liz Putnam said, adding that she’s been at all six events.
Teens also showed up to help. Most came from Gifft Hill School, where they get community service credits for their efforts.
“And it’s fun,” said Wallace Graham, 17. “And I get to hang out with my friends and meet different people,” he said.
Graham was spinning basketballs with Luca del Olmo, 17, who said he liked volunteering because it gets him out of the house.
Even Sprauve’s interim principal, Joey Skelton, was on hand to make sure things ran smoothly. “And make sure they have everything they need,” he said.
