Initiator of the Benschop Foundation, Mark Benschop, yesterday secured a range of sporting equipment valued at approximately $200,000 from the proprietor of West Indies Sports Complex, Mohamed Feroze Khan.
Benschop has been soliciting assistance from members of the business sector over the past few months to assist in his foundation’s efforts to develop youths in less fortunate communities.
Khan said that he feels that the work being done by Benschop so far has been commendable and he saw it fit to join in the efforts since he too has tried in his own way to aid in the development of sport.
“Ever since I returned to this country, I have tried my best to help a number of sports including cricket, football, table tennis, lawn tennis and badminton which we are currently sponsoring a tournament in,” he said.
“Benschop has been going from community to community and giving assistance to young sportsmen and women and we think that this is a very positive venture and we are happy to assist in any way that we could,” he added.
The sporting equipment ranged from football shoes and socks to cricket bats and balls and even boxing gloves.
Benschop said that he was very thankful to Khan for understanding the vision of the foundation and helping in its efforts to channel the energies of youths towards developing productive lives.
“The foundation is currently targeting many communities throughout the country; we have done some work in Agricola and are about to enter communities such as La Penitence and as far as Bartica and Berbice.
“Right now we are currently donating some football gear to a sports organization in the Rupununi.
“This will be in keeping with our attempts to reach communities throughout the country and bridge the racial gaps,” he added.
Representative of the Kanuku New Vision organisation in the Rupununi, Mark Rodrigues was on hand at West Indian Sports Complex to receive the donations on behalf of the organization and said that they would be staging an under-17 football competition soon.
