Standard three students of the Arima New Government Primary School were the proud recipients of an official FIFA World Cup 2006 Adidas football from FIFA Vice President Jack Warner during his visit to the school on Friday.
That was the theme of the address given by FIFA Vice President Jack Warner to pupils of a Standard Three class at the school
The CONCACAF President, also Special Advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation invited by class teacher June Edwards to receive a cash contribution from her and her pupils who were involved in a special class project entitled – “Our Soca Warriors.” This contribution will be given to the team .
Warner, in his address, told the youngsters that despite his humble beginnings he was able to achieve as much as he has done and therefore nothing ought to prevent them from achieving their goals or from being the best that they could be.
“Never be afraid of criticism, always try to do what is right Be disciplined,” Warner told them,
He added that there would always be challenges and criticisms in life but from very early they must know what their goals are. He informed them that just over forty (40) years ago he and his wife were student teachers at their very school
He knew that the school had a proud history in primary school football in East St George especially in the late 60’s and throughout the 70’s. He said that football is a great vehicle for bringing people together and, in fact, it is a school of life!
He then presented to the class one of the new FIFA approved balls that will be used by Trinidad and Tobago in the upcoming World Cup Finals in Germany.
Also present in the classroom were Warner’s wife, Maureen, who accompanied him, Roland Timothy, Principal of the school and Keith Look Loy who also delivered a brief address. Look Loy urged his young audience to play sport and study hard. He further advised them to be a friend to their books and be mannerly. Above all, he added, they must obey their parents and teachers.
Later on, Warner was all smiles and taken aback when he was taken to the Principal’s office where he was presented with a copy each of a poem and a Compact Disc.
Reciting the poem, “A Tribute to Mr Jack Warner” which was written by Ramraj Gobindah, a member of staff, was Mariah Spring. Following her recital the choir gave a brilliant and lively rendition of their soon-to-be-released Soca composition entitled “ Wave We Bandanna” Gobindah also penned the lyrics while the music was composed by Stephen Ali.
Warner was later flooded with requests for photographs and autographs to which he humbly agreed to.