Ryder Cup launched in memory of late St. Lucian firefighter, Fitz Andre Charlery

One thing for sure, the late Fitz Andre “Ryder” Charlery will not be forgotten, particularly when players take the field to compete in a tournament named in his memory – The Ryder Cup. The competition gets underway Monday October 19.

The tournament was officially launched last Tuesday at the Micoud North Constituency Office. Special guests in attendance included District Representative for Micoud North, Dr. Gale TC Rigobert; President of the Mon Repos Football League, Marius Charles; Representative of the Micoud Football League, Garvin Fanus and family members of the late Fitz Andre Charlery who died in a tragic motorcycle accident on March 7, 2020.

Addressing the gathering, Charles said: “Today is indeed a wonderful occasion and one of the few times when we can actually come together, even after a time of grieving to celebrate and recognize the life of Andre Fitz Charlery. For the first time as President of the Mon Repos Football League, he is not here by my side to help organize a tournament which includes clubs from Micoud and Mon Repos. With this being said, I hope we can put on a very good show on his behalf and memory in the way he would want it to be played – nice, peaceful good football tournament that we can execute to the best of our ability.”

Charles pointed out that his friend was a big football fan and is counting on organizers staging a tournament he and his family members will be proud of.

In his brief remarks, Fanus said: “On behalf of the Micoud Football League, Mon Repos Football League and Leeds Football Club which Ryder was a member and Co/Manager along with myself, I hope this competition will remember Ryder in spirit since he was an avid sports and football lover. We hope this competition goes without any hitches and that family members come out and support the Ryder Cup and it turns out the way he would want it to.”

Speaking on behalf of the Charlery and LaCorbiniere family, Rufina Charlery had this to say: “I wish to extend our thanks to the District Representative for this initiative. The ideal would have been for Andre to be present and able to see what he has worked so hard on come to fruition and being here to actually witness it. In the absence of this we want to thank you for the initiative and for actually launching the cup in Andre Ryder’s name. Thank you.”

The launch of the Ryder Cup on Tuesday, October 13 was significant and the District Representative made sure everybody knew why. She said: “Today would have been Ryder’s birthday. I don’t think we have mentioned that which is why we have chosen today to launch the Ryder Cup.” She went on to acknowledge Charley’s immediate and extended family members beginning with his widow Christiana Marius Charlery who witnessed the proceedings via social media, his daughter Alana, son Daran, mother Linda Charlery and father Peter La Corbiniere.

Rigobert also acknowledged representatives of the St Lucia Football Association Inc who were invited but were not present, representatives of the Micoud and Mon Repos Football Leagues, the various football clubs, fire fighters, sponsors and friends.

The District Representative spoke about her association with Charlery who was adamant about improving conditions for sports in Micoud. “Today is the day that I wish to invite us to celebrate and to honor the hard work, the memory of our friend and loved one Fitz Andre Ryder,” said Rigobert. “Perhaps many of you may not be aware of the extent he devoted his life and his efforts to football. To the development of the sport not only in terms of the technical capacity of the players, but particularly with respect to the playing facilities. If there was anyone who was at me 24/7 to ensure that we deliver on the promise of a rehabilitated reconstructed playing facility, it was Ryder himself.”

She thanked the Charlery and La Corbiniere families for allowing others to appreciate and celebrate with them “the life of an exemplary, professional and sportsman.”
Ten teams are competing for the Ryder Cup. With rehabilitation works still underway on the Micoud Playing Field, matches in the group stages will be played at the Wynn Playing Field. Games start at 4:00 pm weekdays and on Sunday’s there is a doubleheader starting at 2:00 pm. The opening game Monday has Uprising vs PYO. The final is schedule for November 15.

The First place Team receives $5,000, second place $2,000, third place $1,000 and there is a prize for fourth place. In addition, Rigobert announced that Charley’s wife has agreed to sponsor a price for the Man of the Tournament which was loudly applauded by the audience.