The Tribune

By AMAJAHL KNOWLES

THE Mitchell Ekedede Brain Injury Foundation (MEBIF) and the YESI organisation are set to host the third annual Monty’s six-a-side soccer tournament on the weekend of June 13-14 at St Paul’s Field.

The tournament was designed to aid in the medical expenses of former national team soccer player Demont Mitchell, who was seriously injured in a car accident.

The foundation itself is designed to aid in the medical expenses of persons that suffer from brain injuries within The Bahamas.

“We plan to make the tournament an annual event with the ultimate objective being to spread awareness globally and in hopes that the tournament can be similar in recognition to brain cancer in the same regard the Susan G Komen Foundation is synonymous with breast cancer,” said tournament organiser Matthew Mitchell.

Mitchell also spoke about the main objectives of the foundation, which are “to engage the public and increase awareness of brain injuries, assist qualified persons who need neurosurgery, provide scholarships to persons that plan to study neuroscience and ultimately build a neurological rehabilitation centre for those suffering from brain injuries.”

Mitchell said they have support from the government which has provided the foundation with three acres of land on which to build the rehabilitation centre.

With soccer being a principal revenue stream for the organisation and a mutual connection, it is only fitting that the YESI organisation partners with MEBIF in order to make this tournament possible.

Happy Hall, president of YESI and long-time friend of Mitchell as the two grew up playing soccer together, is optimistic about this year’s event.

“YESI’s role in the event is to facilitate the soccer and provide a festive atmosphere for all those in attendance,” he said.

The Under-12 division youth matches will be played on the Saturday and the adult tournament and youth final will be staged on Sunday.