Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Davies

HOPING TO foster continued unity through sport in the sometimes volatile inner-city community of Arnett Gardens, Opposition Spokesman on Finance Dr Omar Davies will spearhead the appropriately titled 'Bring Back the Love 2008' initiative.

The project, which compromises both a football and netball competition, is expected to span an eight-week period and will kick off at the Tony Spaulding Complex at 2:00 p.m. next Saturday. Over the past few years, Arnett Gardens, a part of the South St Andrew constituency, has been the site of a bitter struggle between rival gangs.

Late last year, several persons in the community lost their lives after periodic flare-ups of violence occurred in the area.

However, in an area where war between rival factions periodically cripples most positive activity, a love for sport often serves as one of the few factors which goes beyond the blocked roads and tightly boarded-up corner shops.

unifying factor

"Apart from all it other benefits, like exercise, I want to continue to use sport as a unifying factor. Naturally, you will have tension, but we're hoping to make pride in your team a positive thing rather than fighting against your opponent," Davies, who is also the chairman of community's Premier League outfit, Arnett Gardens, told The Gleaner.

"I'm using it to further increase cohesiveness between the different communities in my constituency and this is for both males and females, that is why we have focused on both competitions," he said.

Twenty-two football teams and 12 netball teams have already registered to take part in the competition which will begin with a dress parade. President of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA), Stewart Stephen-son, will be the guest speaker.