National forward Wolde Harris (right) presenting gear to the Vaz Prep football team during a visit to the school last Friday. NATIONAL striker Wolde Harris, last Friday, presented sports gear to Vaz Preparatory to outfit the school's football team which is set to compete for the Alberga Cup.
The gear which included football boots, jerseys, shin pads and sneakers is valued at about US$5,000. Harris, who is a past student of the school facilitated the gift through his sponsorship deal with Nike.
The 26-year-old striker who represents New England Revolution in American Major League Soccer (MLS), said he felt compelled to to give back to the school which game him a kick start in the sport from which he now makes his living. "I started out playing competitive football here at Vaz so I thought it was only fitting that I give something back," Harris said. He was accompanied by national teammate Tyrone Marshall.
Harris' father Trevor, who has been coaching the team since he was a student there, was a satisfied man. "It is a great motivating factor coming from Wolde," said the elder Harris, himself a former national striker.
"We are really pleased. Every man has to know his roots and what he has done shows that he has not forgotten and it satisfies me deeply.
"The gift itself is made up of top quality stuff and talking to Wolde he reminded me of the time I got sports goods company Patrick to sponsor them. He had it in mind to do this a long time and I hope more players will do something similar to motivate other youngsters," he added.
Also expressing pleasure at receiving the gear was physical education teacher June Cover-Simpson. Cover-Simpson, former striker for the national women's football, said she has been at Vaz since Harris was a small boy and the gesture was a pleasing one to her.
"It is really pleasing to see him succeed and give something back. This will really serve to encourage the youngsters as they now know what they can achieve," Cover-Simpson said.
