Eight secondary schools in the mining town of Linden will battle for top prizes when the second annual Edwin ‘Screw’ Richmond under-18 football tournament kicks off today.
In the opening game at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, defending champions Linden Foundation Secondary School will clash with Wismar Christianburg Secondary (Multi) from 15:00 hours.
The competition was officially declared open on Monday with a colourful march past by the participating schools and an exhibition game featuring the defending champs against an All-Star 11.
That match ended in a goal-less draw.
Richmond passed away on May 10, 2005 at the age of 62.
His was a household name in Linden because of his exploits in football where he had the distinction of being the first Lindener to play for the national football team.
In an attempt to keep the former dapper striker’s memory alive, several of his close friends (most of whom reside overseas and played with Richmond) formed the Screw Richmond Foundation in New York.
Ernest Joseph represented the organisation and spoke of their delight in bringing the tournament to Guyana once again.
Apart from being outfitted in jerseys, each of the eight participating schools were given balls compliments of the organisers.
Meanwhile, Region No. 10’s Education Officer, Claude Johnson, encouraged the participants to be of good sport adding that it was his belief that sports should play a more prominent role in the school system.
“This is a very significant event because it gives you, the youths, a chance to be integrated through sports which plays a very important part in our school curriculum.
“But I’m more happy that the organisers have chosen to invest in something priceless – that is you, our youths. I think to invest in you people is a fine gesture and I pledge my ministry’s fullest support towards the event,” Johnson said.
He added that it was his hope that the tournament would have a domino effect on other disciplines and that the same thing be done for children at the primary school level.
“This tournament happens to be very important now since the students and schools look forward to it.
“But now I hope that the same thing could be done at the primary school level so it will do well for future tournaments,” Johnson opined.
‘Screw’ Richmond was considered the pioneer of football in Linden and his name is still being mentioned among the best players to ever play for this country.
The former star striker came of age during his stint with the St Barnabas Football Club in Georgetown and from then on he thrilled the hundreds who turned up at the Georgetown Football Club ground during the 1960’s to watch a star unfold before their very eyes.
While football was the Lindener’s first love, he also excelled at cricket, billiards and table tennis.
In 1962 he was named Linden’s Sportsman-of-the-Year, the first and last time an event of such nature was held in the community.
