It was the perfect way to kick-off the summer with a “Send-Off Celebration” for The Reggae Girlz. Vice Mayor of Miramar, Alexandra P. Davis hosted the Jamaica National Women’s Team with a series of fundraising events and activities to support their qualification to the FIFA’s Women’s World Cup France 2019.
The celebration began with a Multi-Cultural Sports Summit at the Miramar Cultural Center. Attendees were welcomed by the Miramar High School Patriot Band. The Summit provided a networking luncheon, discussion, and Q&A session with top athletes and leaders in the sports industry. Keynote speakers included Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair, Michelle Adamolekum, President of the Reggae Girlz Foundation, and Allie McNab, Adviser to the Jamaican Minister of Sports.
Other events included a “Send-Off Celebration Fun-Day” at the Ansin Sports Complex with exhibition matches between the Reggae Girlz and FC Surge USA. A celebrity match between Jamaica and Haiti included Chris Martin, Agent Sasco, Bibi Gardener, Papa San, Supa Twitch, Dutty Dex, and Richie D, among others.
The historical feat under the direction of Coach Hue Menzies made the Reggae Girlz the first Caribbean team to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The young athletes progressed through the Caribbean zone qualifying to reach the CONCACAF women’s championship where they secured a momentous third place finish with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Panama giving them a spot at France 2019. Star Player Jody Brown was named best young player of the tournament.
“We were so excited and honored to have hosted the Jamaica Reggae Girlz Send-off Celebration with events throughout the City of Miramar,” said Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis. “Jamaica made history by being the first Caribbean country to qualify for a FIFA Women’s World Cup. With the Miramar community having such deep roots in Jamaica and the Caribbean overall, it was a natural connection to host the Reggae Girlz. We were honored to be a part of such a great experience.”
