Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe on Friday received a timely donation of educational material and sport gear from the Pele Football Club Alumni Corporation.

The items were presented to the Minister at her Thomas and Quamina Streets location office and will be distributed to schools in the hinterland.

Minster Garrido-Lowe before receiving the items said “on behalf of all the youths who play football in the hinterland I know they will be delighted to receive your gift. The youths in the hinterland are very appreciative of contributions and this is education to further their studies and even the game of football they will be so happy”.

The Minster added that “as a Government and as a Ministry we cannot do everything so we really appreciate public spirited people, cooperate Guyana, Pele Alumni we appreciate this very much and is looking forward to seeing more people come on board and I will appreciate Pele Alumni we really appreciate this”.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Corporation Dennis Carrington before making the presentation said “we would like to donate to the Amerindian people the gifts of twenty five backpacks and ten footballs to further advance the excitement that is already there as they move forward. The backpack with the school supplies will definitely help them advance on the education side but at the same time they will have fun and the footballs will be used in order to do so”.

Minister Garrido-Lowe who has a deep love for the game of football and is also the patron for women football in Guyana, is dedicated to ensuring the game is developed not only on the coastland but equal opportunities are also extended to the hinterland ball weavers.

The hinterland according to the Minister, will continue to make a name for itself since the indigenous youth will continue to demonstrate natural talent whether it is in football, cricket, swimming or any other discipline.

Currently, the various regions host successful football tournaments with the most prominent being the North Pakaraima Football Tournament and the Upper Mazaruni Games.

Meanwhile, the Pele F.C. Alumni Corporation is a Non-Profit Organization whose mission is to empower children in Guyana through sports whereby they can building confidence, self-esteem, and ambition through the power of sports.

The corporation believes its will achieve this vision by providing educational opportunities for young football players who are in need of non-cash support as they pursue their academic endeavors.

The main guiding principle of the Pele F.C. Alumni Corporation is to continue to give back to the community where most of the players’ humble beginning first took shape. Annually, the Alumni plans to reward the top performing school boys and girls who has the aptitude for education and is involved in football with school supplies and or uniforms.