YESTERDAY Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. (FFP) and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) embarked on a journey of great purpose when they made it official in the boardroom of FFP Building, Festival City. FFP, an organisation committed to helping the less fortunate, donated football equipment and other items to the GFF and Guyana Police Force (GPF) while a donation was also made to the Library of the University of Guyana (UG).
The donation amounted to $668 000 and entailed 250 footballs, eight sewing machines, five sets of Computer Training Kits and five bags of Whey (Protein) Powder which were handed over to GFF with 12 more footballs being donated to GPF and one Computer Training Kit to UG Library.
FFP Executive Director Leon Davis said the company indulges in improving sport difficulties by assisting poor and needy clubs that find it hard to go forward because of expensive sporting gear.
He urged the acting president of the GFF Franklin Wilson who was accompanied to the ceremony by his executives, to target the clubs on the wider ranges such as Rupununi, Lethem, Bartica and Linden to name a few.
Davis disclosed that he was hoping for the day when the GFF would approach the organization; so when they did they were welcomed with open arms. He said, “We would like to help these footballers be better rounded persons, not so much developing their football skills but teaching them etiquette and a skill to use outside of football”.
Finally, addressing the GFF he said, “Food for the Poor will make sure we play our part to make sure you play your part.”
Responding to Davis’ remarks, Wilson said that his federation is very serious about the partnership, given the fact the entire GFF executive, apart from two members, was present to witness the official launch.
“There are nine associations affiliated to the Guyana Football Federation and we assure you that all the clubs will benefit from this donation,” he said.
He assured the donor that the equipment will be taken care of and used for their intended purpose.
Wilson stated that it is not the first time FFP has supported them but it is the first formal partnership they had. According to the president, this fit into their scope because it is about support for youths.
He made a note that the federation stresses on the rule that a child must be in school to be eligible for selection to a national junior side whether male or female. That is why most of the junior squads have been made up of overseas-based players.