Police youth outreach continues at skate park
Kids with PC Chris Donaldson at the skate park
(CNS Local Life): A group of kids from George Town and Bodden were treated to an afternoon of fun and games at the Black Pearl Skate Park, thanks to the efforts of the RCIPS Community Policing Department, the Cayman Islands Skateboard Association and Hurley’s. More than 20 young people aged 5 to 17 enjoyed free admission to the park, along with free rental of equipment and refreshments.
The afternoon marked a continuation of the initiative which was launched in February 2017 to foster closer ties between the RCIPS and youth in the community. It will be hosted once per month until July.
The event, held Saturday, 24 February, was open to children from ages 5 to 17, who also interacted with the community officer for Prospect, PC Chris Donaldson, one of the organisers. Michael Myles of the Skateboard Association took care of the admission and rentals, and arranged for free transportation to and from the park for those who needed it. Hurley’s provided the refreshments.
The children also participated in a one-on-one basketball competition with the winner given a scooter donated by Myles. In a gesture of goodwill, the winning child gave his scooter to the kid he had competed against.
“The partnership between the RCIPS, Black Pearl Skate Park, our children and families is critical to the harmony of our country,” said Myles. “I applaud the RCIPS for making every effort to build better relationships with our children in a compassionate and caring way. We encourage our community to get involved in mentoring a child. The impact of this is incredible and life-changing.”
Inspector Courtney Myles of the Community Policing Department said, “These kinds of positive interactions with children and their families are an important part of community policing, and help children view the police as approachable people who are dedicated to their safety.
“We are extremely grateful to our partners at the Black Pearl Skate Park and Hurley’s for their support in making this first Saturday a success and are excited to see this initiative continue over the coming months.”
The RCIPS and Black Pearl Skate Park youth outreach initiative continues on 31 March, 28 April, 26 May, 30 June and 28 July.
Category: Civil Service, Police, Youth
