Telemedia, Mirage donate to C.Y.D.P.’s socialization project…
The Conscious Youth Development Program received a much needed boost to a project today when two companies donated seventeen thousand dollars. Telemedia handed over a cheque for twelve thousand dollars, while the Mirage group of companies gave five thousand. The funds, along with additional financing from government, were used to purchase a hundred and fifty-nine pairs of football boots, three footballs and ninety-eight uniforms. The items and cheques were delivered to C.Y.D.P.’s headquarters on North Front Street.
Linette Canto, Public Relations Executive, Telemedia
“We have contributed twelve thousand dollars towards this project and the reason why we became interested in it is because our mandate at Telemedia has always been to build the community through our support of education, sports and culture. We believe that this is an ideal opportunity to bring young Belizeans together, especially those at risk and to give them something that will assist in building their character and building their self esteem. So when we were approached by C.Y.D.P., we saw it as a good opportunity to do something positive for the community.”
Superintendent Edward Broaster, Director, C.Y.D.P.
“We know that the socialization among young people is a very effective tool in reducing crime and violence as well as the level of hostility and animosity that young people tend to breathe among each other. These groups are groups from different areas of Belize City. Yes, they are groups that would normally have conflict with each other. Hence the reason why we strategically chose the different groups and we have taken them through anger management and conflict resolution program a couple weeks prior. So we believe they are prepared and they know what to expect on the field and the level of conduct that we expect on the field as well.”
Pulu, Football Player
We sit down and decide mek wi try get boots and everything else mek wi start di tournament because majority ah di team dehn noh have boots. So Mr. Broaster seh he wah si weh he could do now. We really appreciate di boots and everything so we could begin di tournament tonight. We appreciate Belize Telemedia or whosoever sponsor di boots and thing, thanks and di team so we could try stop di violence and thing inna di street and start di football tonight mein.”
Mike Diaz, Football Player
“I decide to work with the youngsters so. Originally I dah Yabra, play with Verdes, play with several other teams and so. So I decided to come back now and try give back to di community. But Yabra have Peal-off weh di deal wid dehn youth and all di seniors can’t deh together. So we have to just separate so I decide fi go wid Faber’s Road weh no have wah leader so I decide fi tek care ah dat. So I wah deal wid Faber’s Road.”
Sebastian Nunez, Football Player
“I dah from Kelly Street. When we get di jersey ih mean wah lot to me but I wah seh to me and others pan Kelly Street fi keep away di violence and we thank B.T.L., we thank C.Y.D.P. and we want people fi come out and support us and mek we get up wah conscious vibes and mek things go positive through di day.”
Jose Sanchez
“Do you think this will help you get along with the other guys from the different neighborhoods?”
Sebastian Nunez
“Well, the tournament plays a very big role. It will help us to meet each other and get over some of our problems weh we all have and as a brother and mek we all unite. This is a very conscious thing that the C.Y.D.P. and the B.T.L. have put together.”
Linette Canto
“It’s something that we do on a regular basis it’s just that it has to be a project that we believe in and that we believe will impact many Belizeans.”
The first football game starts tonight at seven p.m. at the M.C.C. Grounds in Belize City. Broaster and the youths hope the public comes out to support the sporting event.
