There has been an encouraging show of support for Trinidad and Tobago footballer Akeem Adams, with members of the public stepping up to purchase “Support Akeem” T-shirts in the last few days.
The T-shirts are part of “Heart of a Warrior” fund-raising efforts towards medical expenses for the ailing player, who suffered a massive heart attack on September 25. The T&T defender, who only recently signed with Hungarian club Ferencvárosi TC, has since been fitted with a mechanical heart, and is awaiting a heart transplant.
Currently, the 22-year-old athlete is in the clinical intensive care unit of Városmajori Heart Clinic in Hungary, where he underwent four life-saving surgeries, including the amputation of his lower left leg, after he developed necrosis in the limb due to difficulties with blood circulation in his extremities.
The T-shirts are being sold at Native Spirit outlets at Long Circular, Gulf City and Trincity malls. The Express visited the Trincity Mall branch yesterday, and asked about sales of the T-shirts.
“Excellent,” Native Spirit sales representative Abigail Francis revealed. “They’ve been selling very well, people have been coming in and showing support, and we’ve had to print more T-shirts.”
Over 1,000 T-shirts have so far been printed for the cause, and Francis estimated that more than 140 of them are being sold per day at both Long Circular and Trincity since they went on sale early this week. Sales in Gulf City have not gone as well, but they are expected to pick up.
The Express understands that Adams’ alma mater, Presentation College San Fernando, is also showing strong support for its former football star with the purchase of T-shirts—ex-and current students, and teachers.
Patrons wishing to support can purchase T-shirts in red and black at the above-mentioned branches at the cost of $100. The T&T Football Association (TTFA) also announced last week that part proceeds from Tuesday’s match between T&T and New Zealand at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain will go to the “Heart of a Warrior” fund in support of Adams.
There will be a special section at the match exclusively in support of Adams. It has also been announced that T-shirts will be on sale at the match venue.
Tickets for the match are available at More Vino Restaurant in Woodbrook and San Fernando; All Out Sports Bar, Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain; Law 5 Sports Bar, Chaguanas; The Fan Club Movietowne (Port of Spain and Gulf City); Tobago FA Office; and Fairfield Complex in Scarborough.
The tickets are priced at $75 (uncovered stands), $100 (covered stands) and $125 (Akeem Adams section.
Donations can be made Here.