Foundations Fund Basketball Court Refurbishment at North Street

wo US based foundations are funding a much needed basketball Court refurbishment project at KC’s North Street Campus.  The two sets of basketball courts -- which by all accounts were in deplorable condition-- will be getting new playing surfaces. New hoops will also be installed on one of the courts.

Funding for the project is being provided by the RuJohn Foundation, in association with the Morlon Greenwood Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by NFL player Morlon Greenwood. 

The Morlon Greenwood Foundation seeks to help others overcome barriers that hinder performance and achievement, thereby changing the individual’s perception of educational achievement, social mobility and success, from an unattainable fantasy to a possible reality. Morlon always encourages others to be ambitious and to continue striving towards their greatest aspirations.

Born on July 17, 1978, Morlon was the fourth of twelve children that blessed the Greenwood family. As a native Jamaican, he spent 11 years in Kingston, Jamaica before migrating to the United States with his family where he received the latter portion of his education.

Morlon obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University, and was drafted to play for the Miami Dolphins in 2001. He later played for the Houston Texans before joining the Oakland raiders.  He established the Morlon Greenwood Foundation in 2003.

Morlon Greenwood

Morlon Greenwood approached Byron and asked how he could improve the conditions of the school where the camp was conducted in Kingston. This resulted in the two foundations partnering together to undertake the KC Basketball court refurbishing project.

The RuJohn Foundation was also established in 2003 by KCOB Byron Bachelor and his wife Ingrid, a Wolmerian, in honor of Ruth and John Tulloch, Ingrid’s parents. Byron attended KC during the 1970s and ran track in Class I specializing in the 400 meters.

 

Existing courts

 

 

Raw materials are in place

 The RuJohn Foundation has distinguished itself over the years through its philanthropic work, providing hurricane relief supplies, educational items and tools for learning initially to schools and communities in rural Jamaica. This gargantuan effort has spread to the capital parish with scholarships to award winning essayists Omari Green of Kingston College, and Odane Cranston of St. Georges College. Shanika Allen of Rusea’s High also benefited from this scholarship. Cash donations have also been made to the KC Athletic program and Rusea’s After School Program.

The day-to-day operation of the foundation is managed by Byron and Ingrid’s children, Andrew and Christina.

The RuJohn Foundation regularly conducts basketball and American Football camps in Jamaica, using NFL and NBA players, promoting education through athletics. 

The total cost of the refurbishment is projected at more than US$28,000 and the project should be completed sometime in September 2009.

To learn more and participate in this patriotic labor of love please visit their web site at www.rujohnfoundation.com.