Thompson to give Heineman donation to BT Basic School

AFTER WINNING a $50,000 donation following his participation in the Heineken Power Scrimmage match at the University of the West Indies (UWI) on Wednesday, Arnett Gardens captain, Oneil Bigga’ Thompson, decided that he wants the benefits to be given to a school close to home.

The Heineken Power Scrimmage match is a part of the build up to the arrival of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) trophy to the island from March 20 to 23 and Thompson is pleased the arrival of the illustrious trophy could have such a positive impact on normal young Jamaicans.

“I talked to them (Heineken) this morning and told them I will give it (donation) to Boys’ Town Basic School, or something like that and this definitely makes me feel better, to know I can help a needy institution in my community. But it is always a good feeling helping somebody and you are helping kids that need it,” he said.

Thompson, who had questioned the purpose of the trophy coming to Jamaica, is now convinced it will have a positive impact.

“People start to understand the purpose of the visit. It needed to make an impact, it can’t be a case that it is just coming here,”

THOMPSON

he said.

Other not-for-profit organisations that benefited are Catherine Hall Primary, Multi-Care Foundation, Saint’s Basic School and St Marks Methodist Basic School.

Meanwhile, six university teams battled for the chance to face the star-studded Heineken All-stars team, which comprised former national players such as Ian ‘Pepe’ Goodison, Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore, Thompson, Rafe Wolfe and Clyde Jureidini.

VICTORY AND A DRAW

After some intense and exciting contests, the Taylor Hall team from Roosters Block defeated Hardball 1-0 to earn the right to play the all-stars. However, the students were no match for the former international stars and they spent most of the game defending, although they defended gallantly, and earned themselves a 0-0 draw which resulted in a penalty shoot out which the all-stars won.

For their efforts, each member of the Roosters team was invited to participate in an exclusive workshop with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Suwannee Stewart, Heineken brand manager, believes it was a fun-filled day and positive start to the tour.

“They (students) may have lost the game on penalties, but we are rewarding them with an exclusive experience with one of the world’s greatest goal scorers,” she added

Local fans will have a chance to meet Van Nistelrooy during the Heineken trophy stops at Margaritaville Ocho Rios and Pier 1 in Montego Bay.