A dedicated group of goodwill ambassadors will depart for Jamaica on Monday with the primary objective of enhancing the opportunity for children from financially challenged families to fulfill their sports ambitions.

Since its inception two years ago, locally registered charity Children Need Sports (CNS), has kitted kids both here and abroad with sports gear ranging from football boots to jerseys, thanks to invaluable donations from various sectors.

CNS is a charity that works closely with segments of the community whose task is to identify potential young candidates in need of financial assistance to purchase sports gear and equipment.

"The main purpose of CNS is to seek out children from financially challenged families and provide the opportunity for them to participate and excel in a sport of their interest," reads the organisation's mission statement. "Our goal is to assist them with the purchase of equipment and supplies (where) necessary."

And so far the charity has done just that, according to president and founder Aaron Adams.

So how did it all begin?

"I wanted to give something back to sports and I also know what it is like to have and not to have. I just wanted to help anyone, anywhere and so I got together with a group of friends that I knew had the same passion as I do for sports and things just took off from there," the prison warden explained.

CNS are no strangers to Jamaica, having toured there last year as part of a Department of Corrections cricket team. It was during that visit when they sponsored a mini football tournament involving Calabar and Excelsior High schools, and also donated an assortment of footballer gear to kids.

The local ambassadors' upcoming travel itinerary will encompass re-visiting the above-mentioned schools as well as sponsoring a football club in St. Mary's and kitting four of Jamaica's most promising track and field athletes.

So far it is estimated that CNS has donated some $5,000 in sports gear, with the bulk of funds provided by members who are required to pay dues twice annually.

"We get great support from our fellow prison officers and whenever we ask for funds they are always willing to help out," Mr. Adams noted. "And there's always room for more sponsors to come onboard because our aim is to branch out everywhere we travel."

CNS has also spread good cheer among aspiring athletes, both at school and club levels, and Mr. Adams harbours lofty ambitions to launch a website in the "not-too-distant" future.

"This is not just a local charity," he pointed out.

Fellow CNS committee member Donald Norford has encouraged others to join what he believes is a very worthy cause.

He also thanked Hamilton Parish coach Mark Jennings and local sports retailers Carla Hall and Paul Hayward for contributing goods that are to be presented to young athletes in Jamaica, home of 100m and 200m world record holder Usain Bolt.

"We really appreciate these contributions very much and thank all of our sponsors for their valued assistance," said Mr. Norford, former Devonshire Recreation Club wicketkeeper/batsman.

His fellow committee member and Southampton Rangers cricketer Ryan Belboda, added: "It feels great to be a part of a wonderful organisation such as this because we realise that sport builds character, promotes teamwork and also helps one make positive decisions in life."