All set for 'Bring Back The Love' on Labour Day
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The annual 'Bring Back the Love' exhibition football matches take center stage this Labour Day, May 25, at the Anthony Spaulding Complex, and two former stars of the local game, Arnett Gardens' Byron 'King' Earle and Tivoli's Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson, will be among this year's honourees.
The announcements were made at yesterday's launch at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, in Arnett Gardens.
Earle, a son of the community, was a calm, calculative and prolific striker during the 1990s. He starred for Charlie Smith High in the Manning Cup and then Arnett Gardens in the Jamaica Premier League.
Former Reggae Boy Johnson, an electrifying attacker, spent most of his time in England but started and ended his career with Tivoli Gardens.
Also among this year's honourees are former FIFA referee Valdin Ledgister and Seaview Gardens Football Club president Earl Pinto.
Event organiser Clive 'Busy Campbell said 'Bring Back the Love' is an event which represents unity, healing and hope.
"Every year, this match reminds us that sports has the power to bring communities together, to bridge division and inspire positive change. On the field, we see teamwork, discipline, respect, resilience and love," he commented.
"Events like 'Bring Back The Love' are so important. They send a powerful message that love, respect and community support must replace anger, abuse and neglect."
CEO of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) Owen Hill said the event has become a 'staple' on the local football calendar. He pointed out that it remains significant because of its core values and that its continuity is essential.
"This event is always a staple and it means a lot. It uses football as a vehicle to promote peace and to bring joy to the world," he said.
"It has become a household name. When you look at the former players through the Masters and Celebrities team, Christian Ambassadors and referees, these stalwarts hold this event to account and it means a lot for continuity, just ensuring that it happens in the context of good health and fun football.
"So it's an important gesture to ensure continuity, which requires courage and you (Campbell) continues to show that," he added.
The Labour Day event is set to kick off at 4 p.m. and the competing teams this year will be Masters and Celebrities, Referees and Christian Ambassadors.
Although entry is free, the organisers will ask patrons to make a donation at the gate, and patrons who contribute $500 or more will be eligible for one of the many gate prizes that will be provided by the sponsors.
Proceeds from the event will go towards assisting basic schools with much-needed equipment such as computers, printers and fans.
"All we are asking for is a donation. If someone sees it fit to give more than $500, then that person will receive a ticket. We will have a few prizes from Bob Marley Foundation and FLOW. They want to give things to the patrons," Campbell added.