THE Petra-organised Milo Schools Under-18 football tournament received a much needed boost yesterday when the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) signed on once again.Commencing on Saturday, the tournament will now be played with the aim of reducing violence, according to the Chronic Diseases Unit representative Dr Troy Sagon.
“We stress exercise, in which this Under-18 competition plays a major role. Exercise helps in the decrease of stress, it boosts the immune system and increases thinking for you to think more rationally and decrease the tendency to become more violent,” he said.
He contended that the Ministry is on board with the tournament in this regard, stating that they are impressed with the work of the Petra organisation.
Meanwhile co-Director of the Petra organisation, Troy Mendonca, stated that they are all about development and their aim is to ensure that as many youths as possible stay away from violence.
Meanwhile, the respective schools were yesterday presented with balls for training ahead of the Milo-sponsored tournament.
The tournament which features 32 teams begins tomorrow.