SHERWOOD CONTENT, Trelawny:THE GROUNDS of Piedmont Basic and Waldensia Primary schools in Sherwood Content Trelawny were abuzz with excitement as 200 children from the Sherwood Content community were treated to a day of fun and frolic by Digicel Ambassador Usain Bolt.

The Usain Bolt Foundation partnered with Digicel and KFC on this initiative that targeted children up to 12 years of age from Bolt's hometown.

Bolt's two-year-old foundation supports 13 charities in Jamaica and numerous events worldwide, all aimed at enhancing the lives of children, including the cardiac surgery programme at the Bustamante Hospital for Children and five primary and basic schools in Portland.

In explaining the idea behind this year's staging of the treat, Bolt said, "When I was growing up, Christmas was always a good time for me, so I thought to host a treat for the children during this season would be a good idea, it was really good to be on the grounds of my past schools and seeing the smiles on the faces of the children. I go home every Christmas to spend time with my family and friends, so I was really happy to be there to share with them."

beyond athletic talent

Tahnida Nunes, sponsorship manager who was on hand with a team from Digicel, shared that the partnership with Bolt goes beyond his athletic talent and achievements to date.

"We're always working with our brand ambassadors on their respective charities as we believe wholeheartedly in giving back to our communities. Choosing to host a treat right here in his hometown speaks volumes about Usain as a person, it is clear that he shares a deep love for his community and wants to see it grow and develop. We commend Usain and his team on conceptualising the Usain Bolt Foundation and for the work they have been doing through his Foundation to help those in need."

Carole Beckford, chief executive officer of the Usain Bolt Foundation also expressed that, "We are very happy to see the first official treat under the Usain Bolt Foundation come to life. Usain's mother and close family members have been very involved over the years with the various treats that were held, and today's treat is no different."

The gift packages included a backpack with reading and colouring books, crayons and water bottles. In addition to the gifts, the children were treated to a variety of games, rides and refreshments.