By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS of students across Eleuthera will soon benefit from new outdoor play and sports facilities, thanks to Disney Cruise Line’s $1m commitment to building entertainment spaces across the island.

The initiative is part of Disney’s The Play Project. 

Under the programme, Disney has partnered with the non-profit organisation love.fútbol to create playgrounds and sports spaces across Eleuthera, marking a significant investment in the island’s communities and children.

On Friday, Wemyss Bight Primary School celebrated the completion of its new playground with a special community event. Students, teachers, local leaders, Disney Cruise Line cast members, and love.fútbol volunteers gathered to unveil the new facility.

The playground features slides, swings, and a jungle gym, offering students a much-needed space for play and physical activity.

Harcourt McCoy, district superintendent of education, highlighted the importance of these spaces, saying, “Playgrounds are more than just places to run and jump and climb, they are spaces where children build friendships, develop social skills and ignite their imagination.”

Principal Katrina McKinney of Wemyss Bight Primary School expressed her gratitude, noting the project has has made a significant impact on our school community. She said the school is looking forward to future collaboration.

This month, additional playgrounds and sports spaces will open at Green Castle, PA Gibson, Deep Creek, Tarpum Bay, and Rock Sound Primary Schools.

Alongside playgrounds, schools will receive revamped basketball courts and areas for long jump and high jump. To further support students, the non-profit Good Sports is donating hundreds of pieces of recreational sports equipment. 

The initiative also includes “build days” where community members, school staff, students, and Disney volunteers join forces to beautify the new spaces by painting courts, assembling benches, and planting flowers.

Director of Education Domonique McCartney Russell underscored the value of play in child development, adding: “In order to provide holistic and globally competitive education, play is a vital component. It’s important for cognition, social development, physical skills, and even emotional well-being. We are truly grateful for this partnership.”