Premier: This Is A Tremendous Accomplishment
On behalf of the Government, Premier David Burt extended encouragement and support to the Bermuda Men’s National Football Team as they prepare to meet Haiti on Sunday in the Gold Cup opener in Costa Rica.
“This is historic, Bermuda’s first appearance in Concacaf’s most prestigious competition,” said Premier Burt. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for these young men, they have made all of Bermuda proud.”
The Premier, Minister Foggo and the team:
“I also want to acknowledge and thank those companies that have graciously released our team players from their work responsibilities to represent Bermuda overseas. They are, Aircare, Apex Physio, BUE Universal Electric, Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, Bermuda General Contracting Services, CCS, Digicel, Fairmont Southampton, One Communications and Warwick Academy.”
Last week, Premier Burt hosted a farewell reception for the Bermuda team at Barr’s Bay Park, which was attended by the team and their families as well as Minister of Labour, Community and Sports Lovitta Foggo, Governor John Rankin and other Members of Parliament, dignitaries and former National Sportsmen.
Coach Kyle Lightbourne, Minister Foggo and former professional footballers Clyde Best and Randy Horton:
Premier Burt continued: “I am grateful to have met with the players and coaches during the farewell reception to offer my warmest congratulations on their success. Bermuda has played well, fought hard, and they have earned a well-deserved spot at the Gold Cup. This is an exciting opportunity and we wish our young men the best.”
“In support of the development of elite local athletes, the Bermuda Government provided $100,000 in additional funding to the Bermuda Football Association to support Bermuda’s Gold Cup preparation,” a spokesperson said.
“The Premier will be in attendance in Costa Rica on Sunday and the Minister responsible for sport, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo, will attend to represent Bermuda for the third group match in the United States. There are also a number of Ministers and MPs who will also be attending the Gold Cup Matches at their own expense.
“The Premier is encouraging all of Bermuda to join the Government of Bermuda in sending best wishes to our Men’s national team as they represent the country in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup.”
Governor John Rankin shakes hands with Bermuda Captain Dante Leverock
Bermuda’s team includes Nahki Wells, Dante Leverock, Jonte Smith, Reggie Lambe, Dale Eve, Oliver Jalen Harvey, Calon Minors, Roger Lee, Kacy Milan Butterfield, Jaylon Bather, Lejaun Simmons, Donte Brangman, Chikosi Basden, Zeiko Lewis, Willie Clemons, Jahquil Hill, Osagi Bascome, Cecoy Robinson, Justin Donawa, Wendell Tre Ming, Liam Evans, Marco Warren, and Quinaceo Hunt.
The Gombey Warriors will take on Haiti on June 16th in Costa Rica, then Costa Rica on June 20th in Dallas, and then match up against Nicaragua on June 24th in New Jersey.
In an effort to provide comprehensive coverage of Bermuda’s historic debut in the Gold Cup, Bernews has a dedicated reporter traveling with the team in order to bring all the latest action and insights, with the special coverage thanks to the support of Butterfield & Vallis, One Communications, and Bermuda Security Group.
If you want additional coverage, please feel free to join Bernews new Sports Facebook group, where our traveling reporter is providing daily updates and some ‘behind the scenes’ coverage.
