MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands sports clubs receive significant donation from Argos Ltd

Overseas Games Association Chairman Mike Summers receives a cheque from Argos Ltd Directors Sheila Stewart and Ian Thomson

Three Falkland Islands sports clubs benefitted from the generosity of local business Argos Ltd with a donation of £25,000 via the Overseas Games Association (FIOGA).

 Company Director Ian Thomson said he was pleased to make the contribution to the clubs, noting that they had in fact supported the Archery Association for several years. “We now look forward to seeing some success from the clubs,” he said at a presentation at the Argos building in Stanley, last week.

FIOGA Chairman Mike Summers thanked Mr Thomson, saying it was the kind of donation that made a huge difference to what the clubs were able to prepare for.

Dek Hockey representative Martyn Barlow referred to the success the team had enjoyed in Punta Arenas in June when they won a competition and said that with the increased interest and enthusiasm young players were now demonstrating they would like to use some of the donation to take some younger players to South America next year.

Players currently train on inline skates but would be able to make the transition to ice overseas.

Thanking Mr. Thomson and Argos on behalf of the Archery Club Justin McPhee said they had never anticipated such generous donations as they had received in the four years since they formed. He said the Archery Club was going to focus on outdoor facilities and making them more usable in a wider range of weathers.

Andy Brownlee said the funds would assist the Cricket Association in bringing coaches down to the Islands which was the only which was the only way to really encourage and improve youngsters to take their sport to the next level.

He said there would also be an opportunity to involve the Infant/Junior School and Community School as well as improving senior players both male and female. He said he looked forward to subsistence from private companies and the FIG to provide an outdoor facility to further the sport. (PN).-