The BGTT Secondary Schools Football League was officially declared opened today at the media launch in the lavish BGTT room at the Queen's Park Oval. Mark Regis Government and Stakeholder Relations Manager opened the SSFL with the following speech.
"Good afternoon...
I stand before you today to share in this launch, the seventh of its kind for BGTT.
One of BGTT's key focus areas for social investment is in youth development through sport. Based on our sponsorship of the U-13, U15, U-17 & U-19 groups in cricket we see the link to sponsorship of Secondary Schools Football League as a natural one. We believe that involvement in competitive sport at this level can only help to keep our youth engaged in productive activities. As the corporate sector continues to contribute to building this nation, we believe that focus on youth is important and essential to the country's progress. BGTT is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and placing our society investment in the development of youth throughout sport.
Our seven year partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Secondary Schools Football Leauge is in support of what we see as a practical approach to teaching young people core values throughout sport. These values I speak of include teamwork, self discipline, fair play, respect for authority and true sportsmanship - all while persuing excellence in all that they do.
To the young people gathered here this afternoon, you are the leaders of tomorrow! Your participation in this league has to be seen a first step towards success, not just for yourselves and your schools, but for your families and communities as well.
The reward of excellence at Secondary Schools League level is the opportunity to progress and to participate in national and international arenas. But you have to want that, for it is not enough to simply play the part. Success calls for skill, confidence, dedication and most of all discipline.
The success of Soca Warriors in qualifying for the World Cup in 2006 meant a lot to Trinidad and Tobago being the smallest country in the world to qualify for this prestigious event. Understand however, that only you can determine your future and what you learn through your participation with the SSFL will provide you with a solid foundation for the rest of your life.
In 2006, for the first time BGTT sponsored the Girls Intercol bringing girls football to an equal level of prominence to the SSFL and I am happy to say that we will be doing so again this year.
The 2008 SSFL kicks off tomorrow Thursday 4th September, between St. Mary's College and St. Anthony's College at CIC grounds. The Girls Intercol will start on Thursday 23rd October, and more details will be provided on the matches closer to that time.
In closing, I want to specially thank the Ministry of Education and Mr. Davis and his team at the SSFL for devoting time and effort to maintain the prestige of the league. You continue to depict value of the power of partnership, and to lay the ground for the league. You provide a positive environment for the player and all of this, we remain appreciative.
This year we look forward to the usual exciting and competitive matches. BGTT is committed to supporting your hard work in pursuit of youth development. I take the opportunity to wish all of you the best of luck, particularly the teams and organizers for a successful 2008 SSFL and Girls Intercol.
I thank you."