![Petra Organization Co-Director Troy Mendonca [center] receives the first place trophy from as Milo Brand Ambassador Shellona David in the presence of several members of the launch party of the Milo Secondary School Football Tournament.](https://s1.stabroeknews.com/images/2020/02/beepat8.jpg)
The eighth Milo Secondary Schools football competition was launched yesterday at the Beepat Headquarters, Dennis Street.
The tourney, which is set to commence February 15th at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, will feature 24 teams divided into six groups of four. It will conclude on April 19th.
The competing schools are Bishops’ High, South Ruimveldt, New Central, Cummings Lodge, Carmel, Golden Grove, St. Stanislaus College, Christ Church, St. John’s College, Marian Academy, Charlestown, East Ruimveldt, St. Joseph, Canje, Christianburg/Wismar, Annandale, President’s College, Golden Grove, Ann’s Grove, Uitvlugt, Vergenoegen and Friendship. North Ruimveldt is a standby team.
The first prize of $400,000 will go towards a school project while the second, third and fourth-placed sides will pocket $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively towards a school initiative.
Trophies will also be presented.
Co-Director of the Petra Organization Troy Mendonca, during brief opening remarks said, “I really want to express our thanks and thank you for the confidence from the Beepats Company for coming on board,” adding, “I would like to emphasize the concept that the Petra Organization has. Once football is being played on the field, everything else comes into play.”
He added, “Without the sport being played, even if you have development programmes, it does not matter unless the sport is played…when sport succeeds the country benefits and if you want development it needed to be played at a high standard.”
Shellona David, Milo Brand Ambassador said, “We at Beepats are always happy to be a part of the events of this nature and I must say that it is an anticipated event.”
Lorraine Barker-King, administrator of the Allied Arts Department within the Ministry of Education, said the entity was pleased to be associated once again with the event, adding, “It is important that our children are exposed to all aspects of sport and physical education is one part of this.” Also making brief remarks were GFF Technical Development Officer Bryan Joseph.
