The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) issued a total of $870,750 to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), last Thursday, thereby facilitating the staging of an international friendly between the senior men’s football team and their New Zealand counterparts.
The Ministry of Sport was also a key contributor, providing assistance with airfare and accommodation for the Kiwi and foreign-based national footballers. The T&T/New Zealand match will be played at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain today, and is expected to draw several thousand Soca Warriors fans. Kick-off time is 7.15 p.m.
The friendly also serves as a benefit for and honour to fallen national defender, Akeem Adams, who is battling for his life in Hungary following a massive heart attack and the partial amputation of his left leg. Proceeds from the gate receipts in the $125 Akeem Adams section and contributions to collection boxes on the day will be used to help the 22-year-old footballer.
According to Minister of Sport, Anil Roberts, the game is a significant opportunity for sports fans to contribute to the recovery of a national player who showed tremendous potential but had his playing days tragically cut short.
“It is at these times that the country needs to pull together and pray for the athlete’s full recovery. I understand that Akeem has awakened from his coma and is responding to the doctors and family around him. This is encouraging news and we will continue to do all we can to support him returning home.”
TTFA General Secretary, Sheldon Phillips expressed his gratitude to SporTT.
“The TTFA is truly grateful to SporTT’s contribution as the game would not have been possible without it. We look forward to a continued partnership with the company and encourage all citizens to follow suit and lend as much as possible to both the Soca Warriors team and young Akeem.”