The Veterans in Sports [VIS] Inc. football fiesta is back with a bang—following a two-year hiatus due to the prevalence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s Saint Lucia International Masters Football Invitational kicks off on June, 3 with 22 teams battling for three Championships over three days at the Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds [DSCG]. A 50 and over formatted Championship will add to the thrills of the tournament.
The atmosphere was exhilarating at the DSCG, on Thursday evening, with representatives from various district leagues in attendance. The highly popular ‘family–fun’ event will feature local district teams matching up against a selection of visiting teams.
Alvin Malaykhan, CEO of Veterans in Sports was all aglow in the company of a slew of local football greats and club representatives. Support from corporate sponsors was also evident as VIS welcomed new entrants to the flock to complement the seasoned backers who all identified with the impact that the Veterans soccer can have on the communities.
While addressing the gathering, Malaykhan underscored the significant role that sports tourism plays as an economic generator for the country. And equally, the camaraderie and social networking that emanates from the event.
He recalled that the first Masters Invitational was held in 2017, featuring teams from the UK, Canada, USA, Trinidad and Tobago and other regional teams, and local district teams. From there on the competition has grown in stature and with fortitude.
“With the tremendous success of our championships over the years, we have also been able to achieve regional and international success…and I’m excited and honoured that we can return to our first major Veterans in Sports event – the Saint Lucia Masters Football Invitational,” said Malaykhan.
He added: “This new element of regional expansion of our tournament …can enhance the football landscape offering players and fans more exciting football matches.”
Consequently, Malaykhan said, the event has brought in more promotional opportunities and visibility “for our valued sponsors creating more regional and international partnerships with world renowned athletes, such as Brian Lara, Russel Latapy, and our very own Veterans Football Ambassador Earl “Ball Hog” Jean.”
With projections for future development of the event, the VIS- CEO declared “with the direction of the Veterans tournament we noted the impact on our economy. In the past, many teams have graced our shores but the impact although tremendous has never been documented.
“The Masters’ element of the tournament has brought direct economic benefits to St Lucia …and we at VIS would like to develop this attractive brand of football.”
Passion and fervor ‘to boot’ was the underlying theme that resonated during the session. But most importantly, was a rallying cry for former players to give back to the communities and help the youngsters take the game to a higher level.
This season’s veteran’s soccer showcase will feature three groups of five teams each competing in the preliminary rounds; with the top four teams battling for the Main Championships, while the 2nd top four contenders will compete for the Plate Cup. And it is anticipated that the 50+ component will add some more luster to the event.
VIS Ambassador Jean made a passionate plea to assist and direct the young players in the communities to attain higher standards in the game. He stressed that Veterans Football was much more than just playing, competing, and having fun.
“It’s about what we do as veterans, giving back to St Lucia …going back to the communities, being a big brother to the younger players,” Jean explained. “Making an effort and trying to give back in some way to our younger players.”
Taking note of the decadence in the society and the criminal scourge affecting young men and women, he asserted: “We have to go back to the communities and give back and try to promote them, try to inculcate them in whatever way we can …we complain about violence and the youth, but what do we do to help them and that’s what Veterans Football is about.”
Sports Minister and MP for Gros Islet Kenson Casimir also acknowledged the input of the Veterans Football competition in the communities, stating that: “Veterans in Sports has set the standard for all sporting events in St Lucia.”
He asserted, “The class with which they operate is something that must be emulated at all levels of sports in St Lucia.”