Saturday 6 July 2024
Ottawa’s premier Caribbean sports club celebrates 50th anniversary 1974-2024
by Godwin Ifedi, Editor
Over 300 guests were in attendance last night at the Sala San Marco Event Centre, as the city’s premier sports club, the Rockers United Sports Club celebrated the 50th anniversary of its inception. It was an evening of top-class dining and entertainment, featuring world-renowned Jamaican Reggae artist Ambelique, top-class comedian Ronnie Edwards, and Ottawa’s own CTV Morning Host Stefan Keys as MC, plus local artiste Andre Duhaney and DJ Hypnotic.
Rockers United Sports Club was established in 1974 by a group of young Jamaican soccer enthusiasts enrolled at Algonquin College. The idea to form this club was proposed by Lionel (Bingie) Barker, who in 1974 with several other Jamaican students, became the core of the first Algonquin College Soccer team to compete in the inter-collegiate league.
The fun-filled evening was marked with reminiscences of past challenges and successes, awards to men and women who had contributed to the evolution of the club, plus food and refreshments. MC Stefan Keys was in his element as he guided the guests in an array of songs, photo shoots, and enjoining guests to mix and mingle, enjoy the delicious food and embed themselves in the ambience and camaraderie of the occasion.
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- Founders Plaque presented by Karl Grey (Sponsor) to the youngest player on the inaugural team. Dave Knibbs will receive the plaque on behalf of the club.
- ROCKERS SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Presented to The Pioneers of Rockers United Women’s Team & Coach Ben Charles
For the Historical Contribution to Women’s Soccer in the Ottawa Area.
Presented by Peter Nesbeth, President of the Rockers United Sports Club
- ROCKERS SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Presented to Wallen (Wally B) Welsh
For his Dedication, Commitment, and Loyalty to the Rockers United Sports Club.
Presented by Peter Nesbeth, President of the Rockers United Sports Club
For over three decades of service as a High-Level Referee in Ontario
Presented by Ms. Joanne Robison – Founder of Flo’s Seniors (Sponsor)
In recognition of his dedication and service to the Rockers United Sports Club.
Presented by Mr. Kenneth Campbell President of Jaku Konbit (Sponsor)
In recognition of his Lifelong contribution to Rockers United Sports Club’
Presented by Ms. Claudine Mitchell President of the Jamaica Ottawa Community Association. (Sponsor)
In recognition of his vision to establish Ottawa’s Rockers United Sports Club
Presented by June Girvan, President of Black History Ottawa (Sponsor) along with Sarah Onyango and Godwin Ifedi.
Acknowledgment of Special Guests.
Mr. Mike Moore – Without Mike’s influence to facilitate Rockers’ entry into the EODSL some 50 years ago Rockers, we would not be having this celebration at this time and in this manner.
Mr. Karl Gray is an ardent Rockers supporter from the get-go. Karl gave Rockers their first on-air presence with a live game broadcast on the Skyline Cable channel many decades ago.
Her Excellency Mrs. Marsha Coore Lobban Jamaican High Commissioner to Canada. And Mrs. Clydeth Dennis from the Jamaican High Commission.
Ms. Claudine Mitchell – President of the Jamaica Ottawa Community Association
Mrs. Natalie Campbell – President of the St. Lucia Ottawa Association
Mrs. Jacquie Dixon – President of the Barbados Ottawa Association
Mrs. June Garvin – President of Black History Ottawa along with two of the BHO Executives; Sarah Onyango and Godwin Ifedi.
Mr. Kenneth Campbell – President of Jaku Konbit
Ms. Joanne Robinson – Founder of Flo’s Seniors
Ms. Maxine Grant is the President and founder of the Rocena Kidney Foundation of Ottawa.
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Black Ottawa Scene was there to bring our readers pics from this landmark event.
