18 Vincentian children – 12 girls and six boys – were the beneficiaries of the first of three Art 4 Sport Workshops being held by the National Olympic Academy (NOA), the education arm of the National Olympic Committee (NOC).
The NOA’s Education and Culture Commission contracted Collette Jones – Chin as the art expert to conduct all three workshops which are being held at the St Joseph’s Convent, Kingstown.
The first workshop featured children aged 8 – 12 years old during the period 6 – 7 August. They were taught basic drawing using various media; pencil drawing, with emphasis on sports figures and icons, different forms of shading and highlighting, abstract painting. They were also taught different painting techniques, the use of colour, how to mix colours, and the art of tie-dying.
Jones – Chin expressed her satisfaction with the responsiveness and enthusiasm exhibited by the children. She believes that the programme can go a long way towards facilitating the objectives of the NOA.
Trevor Bailey, President of the NOC, in delivering the opening address, reminded the children that ‘we are all born with talent and the NOC is assisting with the development of some of that talent as it relates to art for sport’. He called on the children ‘to listen and learn and to pass on what they have learnt to others’.
At the conclusion of the first workshop the participants were treated to a brief graduating ceremony and photo session.
The Art 4 Sport workshops continue this weekend, 13 – 14 August, at the same venue, and will be for children aged 13 – 16. The following weekend, 20 – 21 the workshop will be for teachers and other interested adults.
Persons still interested in attending the workshops can contact Olympic House at 457 2970 to register. Registration is also possible on the first day of the workshop.
