A group of kite enthusiasts has gifted several handcrafted creations to children, supported by a Bermuda charity.

Throughout last week, Kite Warriors donated roughly 30 kites to Family Centre ahead of the Easter long weekend.

Over the weekend, the group also took part in a kite building workshop at Smash Table Tennis Rec Center.

Duvon Powell, founder of the group, said the kites took roughly one month for members to create.

Group member Joshua Butler, who came up with the idea for the donation, said the gift from the group was to recognise and thank Family Centre executive director Martha Dismont for “all that she has done, and is doing for the community”.

“I thought it would be a good gesture,” Mr Butler said.

Alisha Mecene, senior counsellor at Family Centre, said that the kites were well received by the children.

“Our young people were thrilled to see the vibrant display of traditional Bermuda kites, so kindly donated,” she said.

“Joy and eagerness filled the room as the kids were given kites to fly during the upcoming Good Friday holiday.”

Family Centre, she said, was truly thankful for the gifts “steeped in Bermudian culture and festivities”. Kite Warriors, Mr Powell said, was created with three other men roughly one year ago with the aim of preserving the tradition of Bermuda kites.

What started simply as a chat group for kite enthusiasts to let one another know when they would be flying quickly grew.

The group now boasts upwards of 40 members — men in their 30s up to about 60 years of age.

“We come from various walks of life,” Mr Powell said.

“From the schoolteacher, to bartenders, to firefighters, to police officers, to the churchgoer — we all come together just to fly kites.” The tradition of kite flying in Bermuda has been around for years, Mr Powell said.

“It came from some of the other islands,” he said.

“When slaves came across to Bermuda they brought their traditions with them — just like the Gombeys. The kite was one of those traditions.”

The Bermuda kite, he said, was unique. One of the key differences is the distinctive whistle. “It’s a strip of tissue paper or plastic that is put on the back to make that humming sound,” Mr Powell said.

“That whole art form is what we’re trying to preserve.”