After a five-year hiatus owing to the covid19 pandemic, the Presbyterian Church of TT (PCTT) held its annual national sports and family day, which saw participants from the church’s 24 pastoral regions having fun.

The event was held at Skinner Park in San Fernando on August 1.

Acting moderator Rev Stephen Harripersad, on behalf of the moderator Rev Daniel Chance, welcomed the gathering, saying the occasion was even more special as the country commemorated African Emancipation Day – a day of freedom, reflection, and celebrations of our collective heritage.

[caption id="attachment_1099972" align="alignnone" width="1024"] San Fernando Mayor Alderman Robert Parris, second from right, with, from left, Presbyterian Church presiding elder Dr Dianne Phillip-Ramjattan NSC, deputy moderator Rev Harry Persad and general secretary Ashford Tamby at the church's national sports and family day at Skinner Park on African Emancipation Day, August 1. - Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]

“Emancipation Day reminds us of the struggles for freedom and the resilience of our ancestors. As we celebrate this important day, we honour the sacrifices made for our liberty and acknowledge the continuous journey towards equality and justice,” Harripersad told the gathering.

“This year marks the joyous return of our sports and family Day, an event we have missed since 2019 due to the pandemic. So, it is a blessing to participate in this cherish tradition, celebrating our faith, our culture and community spirit.”

A message from the moderator, sent in a booklet on the event, read: “On this Emancipation Day, we are privileged to gather as a Presbyterian community, celebrating in person once again.

“Emancipation marked the end of an era when human beings could be legally trafficked and enslaved, bought and sold and exploited for the benefit of others.”

San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris also attended and told Newsday the church was allowed to use the facility free of charge.

He said San Fernando is perhaps one of the most diverse cities in the world.

[caption id="attachment_1099968" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Church members compete in the under-20 women's 100 metre dash at the Presbyterian Church's annual sports and family day at Skinner Park, San Fernando on African Emancipation Day, August 1. - Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]

He added that on August 2 and 3, the city council would celebrate its first-ever Freedom Festival.

“It is our version of the emancipation celebrations in San Fernando. It is a first for the city. It kicks off at 8 am at the Harris Promenade bandstand and there is a flambeaux procession in the evening. We have entertainment and an Emancipation village,” Parris said.

He thanked Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell and the ministry for their support.

The mayor also encouraged people to come out and support the venture.

Several other people attended the family day on August 1, including San Fernando West MP Faris Al-Rawi SC.

The post Presbyterian Church family, sports day returns after 5 years