Marvin Lee Fund gets $27,000 start

THE Marvin Lee Foundation got a $27,000 kick start when it was launched yesterday. And among the first contributors was star West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago batsman Brian Lara, who along with sister Agnes handed over a cheque for $5,000 almost matching his world record 501 in a first-class innings.

The foundation was launched at the offices of CONCACAF president Jack Austin Warner, to celebrate the life of Marvin Lee, the ex-under-20 national football captain who suffered a crippling injury during a World Cup qualifying match against the United States at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence two years ago. The 22-year-old Lee died of pneumonia on March 9 and was buried on March 14 after a funeral service at the site where he was injured, and has since been re-named Marvin Lee Stadium.

Foundation chairman Clive Pantin made a stirring plea for all footballers to make a pledge to the foundation “however small.” He said: “Give generously, especially all those who play football.” Pantin said, “I never met Marvin Lee, but after hearing what was said and what was written about him, and seeing him so cheerful in adversity, I really admired his courage. He is a role model for all young people.” Apart from contributions, Pantin suggested that tins or boxes should be placed at all venues and encouraged fans to put in their loose change.

Warner made the first contribution of $10,000 and was followed by the Laras and board member Ameer Edoo chipped in with another $10,000. Later, Warner revealed that ex-national footballer Jerren Nixon had called and sent a cheque for $2,000 which was collected yesterday. He also read an e-mail from ex-national goalkeeper Lincoln “Tiger” Phillips, commending the launching of the foundation and said he would support it in a big way. He recalled an incident in which ex-national Hylton Watts was injured in Guyana, never received proper treatment and ended up begging on the streets of Port-of-Spain. 

Launching the foundation yesterday, Warner said: “Often out of tragedy come acts of great hope, of great charity, of great humanity. “I think this is one such occasion. Marvin Lee’s death as a result of his playing so well in the sport he so loved and in the service of his country, has made us all stop and think.” Warner made it clear the purpose of the foundation is to help any and all future Trinidad and Tobago football players, at any level, who may suffer serious injury in the service of their country. Lara urged all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to see the need to extend a helping hand to the unfortunate people of the country. And he pledged: “I will help whenever necessary.” The foundation is to be managed, as a public service, by Kenny Rampersad & Co, a firm of chartered accountants.

Apart from Pantin, other members of the board of which ex-President Sir Ellis Clarke has consented to be patron are Senator Dr Eastlyn McKenzie, deputy chairman Oliver Camps, Petrotrin corporate communications manager  Oliver Flax, ex-chairman of WISE Ameer Edoo, First Citizens Bank manager Winston Glen, specialist medical officer, Ministry of Health Dr Peter Poon King, Lincoln Phillips  and media consultant David Lamy.