Martin Ruopp Football Field
It is very rare that people come out of an extreme personal tragedy
with a remarkable spirit of charity. This is what the parents of Martin
Ruopp, who tragically passed away at a very early age, did. They decided
to donate all his savings to build a very modern football field for our
children.
Never in our wildest dreams did we expect to have such an excellent
football field in JLSS, but the Ruopps made this dream come true.
Work started early in June 2016 upon the board's approval of one of
the offers after a tender was held for the project.
We wanted a FIFA standard football field, and our land was just right
for the smallest FIFA recognized size: 90 x 45 meters.
The land was prepared according to specification. The fence with the
concrete structure holding it were built. We had problems with the main
power cables, and we had to request Electricite du Liban to adjust the
position of three pylons, which they did at our expense. The specialized
water drainage system was installed under the thick base-course that was
rolled with a 5-ton roller, in accordance with the specifications.
Finally, the artificial turf was laid and the field was finally ready.
The board decided to name the new football field the Martin Ruopp
Football Field in gratitude to the Ruopp family for this wonderful
project.
Many young people will spend wonderful hours in this field, not only
Schneller students, but others from our region.
Sport is a most
wonderful alternative for young people to many of the challenges that
they face in life today. This project is part of our peace-education
program, as it provides a place for young people in our region to use
their energy in sport rather than violence and hurting themselves and
others.
For this most wonderful project, Schneller School and all its
students, teachers, trainers, and members of staff, will forever be
grateful to the Ruopp family for their amazing kindness and charity,
even through extreme tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers will always be with them, that God may bless
and reward them for their wonderful contribution to our school.
Before
Work in Progress