Marco Warren Memorial Tournament In June
[Written by Stephen Wright]
The family of Marco Warren has combined his twin passions of football and community to create a fitting way to celebrate his life.
Warren was respected for the leadership he demonstrated on the pitch, as a player for PHC Zebras and Bermuda, and in the community, as a youth mentor and programme leader for the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport.
He was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Hamilton Parish 12 months ago, aged 29.
His family has organised the Marc of Excellence Memorial Football Kick at TN Tatem Middle School in Warwick on June 2, which marks the first anniversary of Warren’s funeral.
The event is the brainchild of Zianna Warren, one of Marco’s two sisters, who hopes the tournament will be a “joyous occasion” that embodies the infectious spirit of her brother and brings the community together.
“We wanted to create something in honour of my brother and celebrate his life,” Zianna told Bernews.
“Organising a football tournament felt like a fitting way to represent him.
“Marco had interests beyond football; he also loved his community and his country.
“We were initially planning to hold the event on his birthday [December 13], but it was difficult to arrange during the local football season, so we decided to have it on the day he was buried.
“We didn’t want there to be any sadness. We wanted it to be a joyous occasion to celebrate Marco and his accomplishments.”
The seven-a-side tournament, which runs from 11 am to 6 pm, will feature 16 adult teams and a 40-player youth exhibition for youngsters aged 10 to 15.
Chelsea Warren, Marco’s other sister, said the family plan for the tournament to become an annual event.
“We’ve had some awesome feedback from the community regarding the event,” Chelsea said. “People have been keen to help in any way they can.
“It’s not just people interested in football, either. I’m sure there will be a great turnout.
“Hopefully, next year, we can start donating any money raised to help secure a bright future for his one-year-old son, Vega, and help his mother and Marco’s girlfriend, Kalay.”
Marco’s mother, Wendy Warren, said her son passionately believed football could help heal some of the island’s social ills.
“Marco coached players of all ages across the island,” she said. “He felt the island was damaged but believed in bringing our community together through football to make a difference.
“He saw football as a vehicle to unite people together and make a positive impact. He loved his country and was willing to give back to his country.
Participation in the tournament will cost $20 for youth players and $50 for adult players.
To register, click here
Interested food vendors can email chelseanizana@gmail.com.
