Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/2967/-1/127/
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NBA Sponsors Schools 17th Football Competition
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The National Bank of Anguilla Limited is sponsoring the Annual Primary School Football Competition for the seventeenth time.
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Mr. Rey addressing Opening Ceremony
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Delivering the welcome address at Coronation Park, NBA’s Director, Ralph Hodge, described the competition, in terms of numbers, as the biggest sporting event in Anguilla. Being just as old as the Bank, the relationship with the schools brings out the commitment of the financial institution to the development of sports and the children of the island, he stated.
He noted that many young people had graduated from the tournament and would honestly admit that their lives were more rewarding because of their involvement. Mr. Hodge spoke about the positive benefits the sport would provide for the students of the six Government Primary Schools and the Christian Central School and appealed to them to respect the decisions of the officials and not bring any village negative rivalry into the sport.
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One of the teams ready for play
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He told parents, relatives of the footballers and other spectators that they had a crucial role to play – not only to support their own competitors, but to be cognisant of the importance of such a tournament.
Permanent Secretary responsible for Education, Rodney Rey, deputised for the Minister of Sport, Evans Rogers. “I am delighted to witness this colourful assembly of athletes and officials. I am sure all will agree with me that it is a wonderful expression of the beauty of our young people and the vibrant spirit of togetherness that is typical of Anguillians,” he told his listeners.
“The presence of boys and girls from across the island and from public and private schools is a clear reminder of the power and potential of our young people as agents of change in the new Anguilla that you must help us to build. Your presence is also a reminder to all leaders in the public and private sectors, the church and voluntary organisations, of the awesome task we have to provide the right mix of educational, recreational and spiritual training required to adequately prepare our young people for leadership at all levels.”
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Mr. Ralph Hodge kicking off Tournament
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Mr. Rey made the point that the training of the island’s young people must not be the task of Government alone particularly at this stage when social development needs in general and youth development in particular were so challenging. “We believe we can achieve success but this will come through genuine public/private partnerships that place youth development at the centre of our national development,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary praised the National Bank of Anguilla for being an active partner in the development of the island’s human resources. He added that the Bank’s seventeen years of sponsoring the inter-school football tournament was a remarkable demonstration of commitment to sports and youth development.
Other persons who participated in the opening ceremony were the chairperson, Marisa Gumbs, NBA’s Business Development and Marketing Officer; Reverend Menes Hodge, Assistant Anglican Priest who delivered the invocation; and the Bank’s Internal Audit Officer, Shaunel Reid, who gave the Vote of Thanks.