Renowned sports commentator, journalist and former President of the St Lucia Boxing Association, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, recently donated 14 pairs of football boots towards the Ryder Cup —a football tournament which will take place in Micoud North.
On Tuesday October 13, 2020, Parliamentary Representative for Micoud North, Dr. Gale TC Rigobert, unveiled plans for the Inaugural Ryder Cup during a press launch. The tournament is named after Fitz Andre “Ryder” Charlery, a football player and administrator who passed tragically in March of this year. He also served with the Saint Lucia Fire Service.
During a recent interview, Perreira explained how the donation came about. “I got an email concerning the football tournament in Micoud in memory of the fallen star [Fitz Andre “Ryder” Charlery] who made a great contribution to sports in Micoud. I thought about one way I could assist. I contacted a person I know here, Mr. Andrew Verteuil, who put me on to Special Kicks, which is a Canadian Non Profitable Sports Organization founded in 2004. Through his contact and his help, I was able to get a donation of 14 pairs of boots. I thought it would make a useful gift to further enhance the occasion and that is basically my involvement in a simple donation.”
Perreira pointed out the VSDAC sports club have also been beneficiaries of donations, made courtesy of the Canadian Non Profitable Sports Organization. Dr. Rigobert expressed her gratitude to Perreira for his timely contribution, which she says will be well received by the teams and players in need of such support.
“Your contribution and that of our other corporate partners, will certainly go a long way in helping our young men in the community to fully participate in this tournament, which aims to stimulate sports in the constituency, while bringing the various communities closer together,” she said.
The Ryder Cup was due to kick off on Monday October 19 but was postponed due to poor field conditions at the Wenn Playing Field. Furthermore, due to the spread of COVID-19 in various communities, the number of persons allowed at mass crowd events was reduced from 500 to 50. This may also impact the tournament when it resumes.
Ten teams are participating in the Ryder Cup. They are: Leeds United, Atlantic Ballers, Praslin Bay United, Grass Street Youth and Sports Club, Patience Youth Organization, True Glory Movement, Young Strikers Sports Club, Helenites, Pakis Football Club and Uprising Football Club. The wining team will receive the Ryder Cup and EC$5,000. EC$2,000 will go to the second place finisher and EC$1000 for third place. The player of the tournament will also receive a cash prize.
