On the pitch to aid Jamaica

By Mark Lidbetter, August 15th, 2012

The U18 AA Nugent Dollard Dragons continued on their mission to aid the St. Thomas district of Jamaica that combined a celebration of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence and fundraising for their cause last Sunday afternoon on the Glenn McHugh Field in Dollard.
Adding to a friendly between a split squad of the Nugent Dragons was an appearance by the Jamaica Military Band, providing the national anthems and a post-match concert for all those in attendance.
“We've just sent three palettes of school supplies to St. Thomas,” Nugent Dragons' captain Aleksa Piecaitis said. “But we still have lots to do.”
The Nugent Dragons had the opportunity to travel to St. Thomas two years ago and will return later this summer and it has become a matter of soccer for humanitarian causes for the squad since their first sojourn to Jamaica as a U 16 team.
“It was when they girls toured St. Thomas and saw how very poor the region of St. Thomas was that it really opened their eyes,” team manager Aras Piecaitis said.
Part of their visit included a friendly against a select team that gave 25 girls the opportunity to take part in international play against the Canadians. What amazed the girls from Dollard was the fact that the opposing players had to share cleats when substitutions were made.
Since that trip, the girls have bonded and worked together to raise funds, donate soccer equipment, books and school supplies.
“We all have really gotten to know one another so much,” Aleksa said.
“We all are committed to doing as much as possible to make people aware and help to keep aiding Jamaica.”
The Nugent dragons are looking to donate 14 dialysis machines to the hospitals of the parishes of Jamaica.
Sponsors and donations are welcomed by the Nugent Dragons, to find out more or to contact the team go to www.nugentdollarddragons. com.