REGIONAL Education Officer of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) Claude Johnson has lauded the organisers of the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Foundation for their efforts in making the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Memorial tournament one that will encompass schools in the riverine communities and at the primary level in the future.

Johnson was speaking at the launching ceremony to mark the second memorial tournament in honour of, arguably, Linden’s greatest sportsman and first-ever player from the bauxite mining town to don national colours.

At the ceremony held at the Mackenzie Sports Club on Monday evening, representatives from the New York-based organisation were on hand to witness the colourful march past of competing schools in this year’s tournament, including the inaugural winners Linden Foundation Secondary, along with Mackenzie High, New Silvercity Secondary, Wismar Christianburg Secondary and Wisburg Secondary.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Department, REDO Johnson described the project as an investment in “human capital, and an investment in our young people, who are our most prized assets.”

Stating this is a fine gesture, Johnson said when members of this community who have gone abroad can look back with pride and want to give something willingly to the community their efforts must be applauded. For this he felt that sport and indeed this football tournament for years to come can have an effect on what is going to take place here in Linden.

He added that the tournament be seen “as something meaningful, to help them to develop social and physical skills and indeed to foster the desire for excellence in academic endeavours as well.”

One member of the Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond New York-based Foundation, Mr Ernest Joseph, was indeed happy about the success of last year’s tournament and indicated that efforts will be made to improve this championship in the future.

Mr Joseph was happy for the role the Education Department was playing in the tournament and he looks forward to seeing positive effects it will have based on the idea behind the gesture.

Another overseas-based former footballer and coach,  now residing in Canada, James ‘Gads’ Dennis who played with Richmond, helped in handing over equipment to be used during the tournament including trophies, balls, jerseys, medals and trophies to the various players in last year’s tournament. The champions of last year were also given special trophies and replicas.

One of the tournament organisers, Ms Mayfield Taylor-Trim, welcomed and thanked the overseas-based body for the assistance, in collaboration with the Department of Education in Region 10. She spoke of the all-round ability of Richmond who was indeed one of the best sports persons from the mining town. He excelled particularly at football, cricket, table tennis, billiards and swimming.

This year the eight participating schools are defending champions Linden Foundation Secondary, Wismar Christianburg Secondary, Mackenzie High, Wisburg Secondary, Wisburg Secondary Annexe, Linden School of Excellence, Linden Technical Institute and the Marcia Craig Educational Institute.