The Alberta Sport, Parks and Wildlife Foundation earlier this year gave Edmonton Leone Stars a grant worth over Cdn$1,000, to help the soccer team towards purchase of equipment. The foundation, based in Edmonton, Canada, receives an annual allocation from the Alberta Lottery Fund, as well as support from the private and public sectors.
Edmonton Leone Stars is a squad of mostly players and officials of Sierra Leonean heritage, registered with the Edmonton and District Soccer Association, in Edmonton, capital of the Province of Alberta in Canada. Following a brilliant performance in the Third Division, finishing top of their Division 3B pool in the 2009 outdoor EDSA season, Edmonton Leone Stars were promoted and now play in a much tougher Division Two.
This is largely thanks to the dedication and expert input of officials like Team Manager Foday ‘Odoma’ Samura - Founding Coach - and current Head Coach Amidu ‘Orlangba’ Kamara, along with a host of talented youngsters like Team captain Kelvin Kamara. The last time Edmonton Leone Stars won a trophy was a few months ago when they clinched the championship cup put out by the Somalian community in Edmonton, Alberta. They won the final match, played on Thursday July 1, 2010, Canada’s National Day.
Some members of Edmonton Leone Stars. Team manager Foday Odoma Samura is extreme left.
According to a letter signed by Lloyd Benz, General Manager of the Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife Foundation the grant is in the amount of $1,098 from the Development Initiatives Program, as awarded by the said foundation. For all this kind gesture, Edmonton Leone Stars has the Provincial Government of Alberta to thank as well. “ I am pleased to know that a portion of our lottery dollars is being put to such valuable use through organizations such as yours, ‘ writes Mr. Benz. The Foundation stresses strict accountability and any money left unused by Edmonton Leone Stars would have to be returned. That is clearly stated in relevant correspondence.
Chris Buchanan, Sport Consultant, Development Initiatives – North; initially conveyed news that the team had been awarded the grant, in a letter dated January 19, 2010.
Shortly, Edmonton Leone Stars hosts a fund-raising Halloween party in Northeast Edmonton on Saturday 30th October 2010. The slated Deejay is Ivan E. Jackson of Ivan Sonics fame. “Come and have a good time with us,” urges Mr. Foday Samura.
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