THE Lavish Foundation’s seven-a-side football competition in Hector’s River, Portland, which ended on Sunday, was poised, even from last year, to rejuvenate the camaraderie amongst the people of Portland and St Thomas, and it accomplished just that.

More than 2,000 patrons, mainly from Portland and neighbouring parishes to include St Thomas, flocked Sunday’s final between teams England from St Thomas and Haitians from Manchioneal, Portland. The football competition was held at the sporting complex which sits by the old community centre in Hector’s River.

Prior to the event, which began on February 12 and saw 20 teams participating, Portland residents as well as people from neighbouring parishes said they lacked entertainment and activities to stimulate their minds.

Akeil Forrester praised the organisers of the two-month competition for electrifying the atmosphere over the period. She was particularly stunned by the size of the crowd that came out to watch the finals, which provided good economic benefit for the organisers and vendors who went home smiling.

“I must commend the organisers for a well-organised tournament. The crowd was massive. I think it is one of the biggest events in Portland. The compound was huge and it was packed. There was never a dull moment. It was very exciting. I am looking forward to next year,” Forrester said.

Desmond Goodlett remarked that the finals was so intense, thrill was written on the faces of the patrons, who always appreciate opportunities to come together and have fun.

“Just the reaction of the patrons showed how intense and exciting the matches were. Team Haitians has a large fan base. When they scored that winning goal, the entire field was flooded by patrons from either Manchioneal or people who are supporters of Haitians. Some people’s team got eliminated from the competition so they had to support a team that had a chance. It was a massive turnout. People came out with their families and a lot of children were there. It was a successful staging and we look forward to bigger things next year.”

At the end of the competition the Haitians were crowned winners at the end of the night after beating England two goals to one. The third-place play-off between Barnette Boys and Corner Team ended in a victory for the latter.

The first-place prize was $100,000 and a trophy. Second place received $50,000 plus a trophy, while third place received $30,000 and a trophy.

There were sectional prizes, such as most valuable player, top goal scorer, top goal keeper, and most disciplined team. The winners of the sectional prizes received gift vouchers from the sponsors and they also received trophies.

The organisers of the event, which was sponsored by Campari, Nestle, and Sunshine Snacks, managed to raise some revenue, which will be pumped into a treat to ensure children from Hector’s River and adjoining communities are properly equipped for school in September.