Students from the MultiCare-assisted schools, in the 2007 MultiCare Dance Summer Workshop, pay keen attention to MultiCare Dance Coordinator George Howard (left). The workshop focuses on basic dance techniques, including improvisation, choreography, dance drama and traditional and folk dances. - Photo by Steve Quallo

As the year 2007 comes to a close, boys and girls who participate in the Multi-Care Foundation Programmes in sports and the visual and performing arts can be justly proud of their performance and achievements throughout the year.

Seeking to unite the country's young people from varied backgrounds and differing communities, while creating a vision for a brighter future and a better Jamaica, is the mandate of the MultiCare Foundation.

Using sports and the visual and performing arts as catalysts to replace the culture of violence and to create a culture of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and understanding among the nation's young people, the MultiCare Foundation offers the young people of Kingston city an opportunity to shine and to achieve, building confidence and self-esteem, and teaching softer, gentler lifestyles to those of crime and violence.

Starting with the MultiCare Inter-Schools Basketball Competition and the MultiCare Inter-Schools Football Girls Competition in April, the year got off to a great start. The MultiCare Track and Field Achievement Championships was next, held during Child Month in May.

In the MultiCare Visual Arts Community Exhibition held in Kingston Gardens, youngsters from Olympic Gardens, Fletcher's Land and Kingston Gardens showcased their tremendous creativity alongside clients from the MultiCare Art Programme at the Bellevue Hospital and the MultiCare Art Therapy Programme at the Jamaica Council For Persons With Disabilities. Students from the 31 MulitiCare-assisted schools continued to excel in the MultiCare Lunch Hour Concert, a favourite on the downtown calendar in June.

Children's Workshop

It was all get up and go as the MultiCare Summer Programme took off with the Summer Art On The Waterfront Children's Workshop, and the MultiCare Sports Summer Camp in downtown Kingston, while the MultiCare Dance Summer Workshop was held at the UWI Mona campus at the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts.

September saw the start of the Christmas term with final MultiCare Inter-Schools Volleyball, Netball and Football Boys Competitions underway in November.

The After School Sports Programme at the Breezy Castle Centre and the Art On The Street Programme continued throughout the year. The MultiCare Per-forming Arts Programme again took centre stage with the annual MultiCare Christmas Concert held in commemoration of the United Nations Universal Children's Day.

With all this talent, creativity and energy from our beautiful young people, Jamaica will undoubtedly have a brighter and better year in 2008.