Winners of?the inaugural David Thompson Memorial Constituency Council’s Football Classic have been told that they need to step up to the plate.
In fact, says Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steven Blackett, those players who represented the City of Bridgetown should see themselves as role models for the younger people within our society and act accordingly.
The minister made these remarks during a celebratory dinner which was held in honour of the City’s triumphant campaign, after defeating St Thomas 3-2 in an exhilarating final at Kensington Oval on Independence Day, last year.
Delivering the feature address, Blackett reminded the footballers that their actions should be ones which young aspiring athletes could look to emulate.
He assured them that if before the tournament some of them might not have been household names, lifting the trophy changed that.
“This tournament has thrown up a number of young men to prominence whether they are aware of it or not. Here in the City’s winning team are young men, who by the simple virtue of being a part of the winning team are being looked upon by younger children as role models and as heroes to be emulated.
“You must therefore be mindful that you have become part of that reflective mirror that society views itself in. The obligation to be model citizens has therefore been thrust upon you and I encourage you to live up the high calling and expectation to which you have been propelled,” Blackett told the footballers.
Coach of the victorious team, Jerry “Streaker” Yearwood also lauded the footballers for their never say die attitude. He noted that they delivered a very gutsy performance, especially in the finals where they twice came from behind to capture the title.
During the night’s proceedings, which featured a performance by Calypso Monarch, David Popsicle Hall, captain Jeffrey Williams also received the Motivational award as well as a prize for Best Midfielder.
