Blue Cross Launches Schools Wellness Clubs' Essay and Poster Competitions

Blue Cross of Jamaica launched its highly anticipated Schools Wellness Clubs Essay and Poster Competitions on May 13 at BCJ’s head office in Kingston. The topic for both competitions is “Promoting Wellness in our Community”. Among those attending the launch were Dr. the Hon. Donald Rhodd, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture, Mr. David Garel, Vice-President of Marketing and Customer Service at Blue Cross of Jamaica and Mr. Emile Spence, Executive for Marketing and Distribution at Jamaica National.

Dr. the Hon. Donald Rhodd gave an eye-opening address on the dangers of cigarette smoke and other health matters threatening Jamaica’s children. According to Dr. Rhodd, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) conducted a survey, “which found that 25% of child smokers started their habit before the age of 10. In addition 250 million children and teenagers alive today will eventually die as a result of their tobacco habit and that 70% of them will be in developing countries”. Dr. Rhodd stated further that he hoped the students involved in the essay and poster competitions would focus on important issues like this one.

Mr. Garel spoke about the importance of educating our children on maintaining good health. He stated in his announcement at the launch, “Our involvement in this competition is another demonstration of our commitment to the wellness of our nation’s youth population”. Mr. Garel also mentioned BCJ’s annual school screening programme and his company’s sponsorship of the JTA/BCJ National Primary and All Age School Athletics Championships.

Both competitions are open to students between ages seven and sixteen in Primary, Prep, All Age, Secondary and High Schools. The deadline for all entries is June 15, 2004. Judging for the essay contest will be based on content and grammar, while the poster competition will be judged on depiction of theme and use of colour. Both competitions will be judged on originality of ideas.