ORLANDO JOHNSON MEMORIAL FOOTBALL TOURNEY IN PROGRESS

The Fourth Annual Orlando Johnson Memorial Football Tournament is now in progress at Coronation Ball Park in The Valley where it commenced on Sunday, August 28.

Team members along with Avon Carty, Kenn Banks, Maglan Richardson and others

The participating teams represent The Valley; North Valley (winner of last year’s tournament); South Valley; Lower Valley; Lower South Valley and North Side.

Kick-off shot

The tournament which will last for twelve weekends, has been organised by The Valley Youth Sports and Culture Club. Treasurer, Kimberly Gumbs, said in her welcome remarks that the Club was dedicated to catering for the physical and mental development of the youth in the community. She added that the support and generous contributions from sponsors and well-wishers had given the young people an opportunity to showcase their football skills and she hoped the tournament would be a success.
Avon Carty, Corporate Marketing Manager with LIME Anguilla, a main sponsor of the tournament, was pleased to see the Club observing its fourth year. She commended its members for their work in The Valley community and for being able to bring the young people together in a friendly tournament. She stressed the importance of youth staying away from violence which claimed the life of Orlando Johnson, and congratulated the youngsters for participating in the football tournament as part of their development and positive use of their energies.

Deputy Director of Social Security, Maglan Richardson, congratulated the organisers for their perseverance over the four years. She stated that it was the first time that her organisation had contributed to the tournament. “The message coming out of the tournament is teamwork is better than gang membership and is the essence of productivity,” she added.

Leroy Richardson, one of the persons who initiated the tournament, spoke about its positive benefits and urged the footballers to be good and dedicated team players.

The sponsors of the tournament include Oliver Brooks, LIME Anguilla, Anguilla National Trust, Social Security Board, Kool FM 103.3, Caribbean Commercial Bank, Alloyd Enterprises Ltd., Aronel Ltd., Klass FM 92.9, Straw Hat Restaurant, National Bank of Anguilla and CLM Heavy Equipment.

The executive members of the Valley Youth Sports and Culture Club are Khalid Brooks, President; Kimberly Gumbs, Treasurer; Keria Hughes (who gave the Vote of Thanks); and Sherlon Richardson.

The tournament will continue until October 15. The matches are Sundays at 3.00 p.m. and Saturdays at 4.00 p.m.