May 3rd, 2017 -- On Friday April 21, 2017, Members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Graduates Soccer Club in New York hosted its Annual Gala and Awards Event at the Eastwood Manor in the Bronx.
The event was a show of solidarity for young people and their academic pursuits, and particularly, a show of strength in New York based Youth Soccer.
Organizers and Executive Members of the event expressed their sentiments to the audience for the support and encouragement throughout the years in delivering a classy event that celebrates the hard work of young soccer players and honors the work of those who paved the way.
This year’s Graduates Soccer Club Gala honoree was Mr. Paul “Joko” Thomas, one of the most flamboyant and effective goalkeepers of his time. Joko was renowned for his goal keeping skills on the football fields throughout St. Kitts and Nevis. He was a brilliant and unapologetically confident goal keeper who represented St. Kitts at home and abroad. Joko hails from McKnight in St. Kitts but his expert football/goalie prowess made him a household name.
In his very brief acceptance speech on Friday night, Thomas expressed his pride in representing the country of his birth and his passion for football. He suggested that young players gain all they could from the sport of football including opportunities that will allow them to achieve academic excellence.
Although the Graduates club was not successful in winning last year’s tournament, the players continue to learn valuable lessons in the sports itself, as well as the value of discipline, respect, academics, character and relationship building.
Former Ambassador Jacinth Henry Martin, the night’s guest speaker, was unable to attend, however, she shared a positive message about building strength in numbers and capitalizing on every opportunity that ensures success in all pursuits.
Special guests in attendance to celebrate with the St. Kitts and Nevis Soccer Graduates Football Club included Ambassador Sam Condor, Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, along with St. Kitts and Nevis Attorney General, Honorable Vincent Byron and his wife Gloria Byron.
Pastor Riddell Blake offered the opening prayer and encouragement to the young budding athletes.
Player and youth advocate Cassall Greene delivered a stirring Vote of Thanks pledging his support to work hard as an athlete and encourage others, especially young people, to continue the quest to serve the Federation through excellence in Sports and Education.
The event’s musical entertainment was provided by Yashbal Sounds.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Graduates Soccer Club commences its 2017 Caribbean Cup journey this coming Sunday, April 30, 2017 at the Boys and Girls Field, 736 Rutland Road (Entrance located at the Corner of Troy and Maple) in Brooklyn, New York.
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