Wine Cellar Tournament Fuels Youth and Sports Development in Turks and Caicos

The Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament made a hefty donation of $60,000 to youth-centered entities in the Turks and Caicos Islands, reinforcing its commitment to sports development and community upliftment.

The recipients of the Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament display their cheques in front of the Wine Cellar, located along Leeward Highway in Providenciales, on Monday, March 30. At left are representatives of the Swim Federation. At centre is the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, and at right are representatives of the TCAAA.

This year’s beneficiaries included the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, the Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletic Association (TCAAA), and the Turks and Caicos Swim Federation. The Edward Gartland Youth Centre received the lion’s share of the donation at $30,000, while the TCAAA got $30,000, the Swim Federation collected $20,000.

Speaking during the cheque presentation, Nikimo Williams, a director at Gilley’s Enterprises, the company behind the event, emphasized the purpose behind the growing event.

“This is about giving back to the youth,” Williams explained. “Every year we host the tournament and raise funds through various initiatives, including Calcutta bidding, so we can support programs that are making a real difference.”

Williams noted that the Youth Centre remains a major focus due to its holistic approach to youth development, blending education, sports, and the arts. At the same time, support for athletic programs reflects the rising performance of young Turks and Caicos athletes on the regional stage.

“We’ve seen our kids push themselves hard this year,” he said. “We want to be part of contributing to that success.”

Longstanding Support for Athletics

For Edith Skippings, President of the TCAAA, the contribution is both timely and impactful.

The association has been a beneficiary of the tournament for most of the past decade, and Skippings praised the continued commitment to youth and sports development.

“This funding helps tremendously, especially this year when our expenses are much higher,” she said.

Team Turks and Caicos is preparing to compete in Grenada, facing increased travel and accommodation costs due to scheduling and logistical challenges. Despite these hurdles, Skippings remains optimistic.

“We’re hoping to bring back medals, but more importantly, we want our athletes to perform at their best and achieve personal milestones,” she added.

Community at the Core

At the grassroots level, the impact of the donations is deeply felt. Roxann Wake-Forbes, Director of the Youth Centre, highlighted the importance of consistent community backing.

“As a non-profit, everything we do depends on community support,” she said. “This tournament is a staple event that not only brings people together but also ensures that programs for our youth can continue.”

The funds will go directly toward sustaining operations and expanding programming, helping to provide safe spaces and opportunities for young people across the islands.

A Tradition That Continues to Grow

With its blend of sport, philanthropy, and community engagement, the Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament has become a cornerstone event in Turks and Caicos. Organizers say they are committed to expanding their reach even further in the years ahead.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve done this, and it won’t be the last,” Williams said. “As the event grows, so does our ability to give back.”

As athletes prepare to represent the nation and youth programs continue to thrive, the tournament stands as a reminder that behind every success story is a community willing to invest in its future.