SEVEN schools have joined together to lend their financial support to a planned sports centre in Sandys, organising a fund-raising walk through western parishes which they also hope will highlight important community issues.

Organised by the Sandys Family of Schools (SFS), the Heritage Wellness Walk, the brainchild of Parent Teacher Association (PTA) presidents from the Southampton Preschool, Lagoon Park Preschool, Port Royal Primary School, Southampton Glebe Primary School, West End Primary School, Somerset Primary School and Sandys Secondary Middle School, will take place next month.

The SFS hopes its efforts will generate funds for the cause and also contribute positively in another way.

"This walk is about bringing the community together to make Sandys and Bermuda a better place to live," SFS chairperson Kimberly Jackson said.

Added Melvyn Bassett, principal of Sandys Secondary Middle School: "This event will be a demonstration of what a community can achieve through a united effort."

Students, parents and teachers from each of the schools will seek sponsorship for the walk, planned along various routes in Southampton and Sandys parishes.

Participants will collect garbage along the way, with the groups meeting at Sandys Secondary Middle School field.

A rally planned there will honour people selected for the valuable contributions and service they have given in the area of wellness to the West End community. Nurses Winifred D'Allie, Iris Davis and Moira Cann will be recognised for their efforts, as will Sinclair Richards, Ira Philip, Anthony Roberts Sr. and Raymond Nash.

The lead sponsor for the proposed sports centre is the Bank of Bermuda, while Government has pledged $1 million to the project.

"By involving our young people in healthy, physical activity, encouraging them to take pride in their community and giving them the responsibility for helping to raise funds for the Sandys sports centre complex, we can empower our young people to become responsible members of our community," said Frederica Forth, senior sales and service manager of the Bank of Bermuda.

"The Bank of Bermuda can make a difference with financial support for community projects, but when that is coupled with people donating their time and effort, the results can be overwhelming."

Education Minister Terry Lister (pictured)was equally enthusiastic about the proposed project and the schools' involvement.

"I am particularly proud of the giant steps taken by the (SFS) to share resources and ideas and their commitment to collaborate in addressing common issues, opportunities and challenges," he said.

"Of course, a central current focus of collaboration in the (SFS) is the Sandys Community and Sports Centre. This facility will be a gathering place for the community, a place where students and others can engage in wholesome, meaningful activities.

"Another important and central focus is a commitment to shared goals, as represented by the institution of the annual Heritage Wellness Walk. This event will do more than raise additional funds for the community centre.

"By engaging some 75 teachers and 850 families, it will breed commitment to our mission to develop healthy communities, promote healthy lifestyles for out students and adults and continue to develop strong relationships between the schools of the Sandys family.

"And, of course, it engages our students in activities which promote respect for our heritage and the environment, while demonstrating that working together, nothing is impossible."

The Sandys Family of Schools inaugural Heritage Wellness Walk will take place on Friday, May 19, beginning at 11.30 a.m. The rally will be held at Sandys Secondary Middle School between 1 p.m. and 2.15 p.m.