Cayman firmlyon world football map

(CNS): Grand Cayman will be welcoming leading representatives from the world of football and regional government this week for a landmark sports summit under the theme of “Transformation through Partnership”.  With Jeff Webb at the helm of CONCACAF the Cayman Islands is benefitting from significant exposure to the international footballing world as the islands own football boss has already brought home a youth development tournament, the world cup, referee course and now this important transition conference. The event comes as CONCACAF continues its process of reform with the aim of empowering all federations across the region to establish a strong foundation for the game that will grow the sport, at all levels, from grassroots to world-class competition level.

The summit kicks-off with a gala dinner where CONCACAF president, Cayman’s own Jeffrey Webb will introduce the keynote speaker  — Tokyo Sexwale who helped create Makana FA in the infamous Robben Island jail.

As a South African a political prisoner in an isolation cell on Robben Island, where Sexwale was held along with Nelson Mandela and other leading figures in the struggle against the country’s apartheid regime he and other prisoners kept their spirits up by playing football inside the notorious jail. They formed their own football association, known as the Makana FA, with Sexwale as secretary a club which has since been given “honorary membership” of FIFA.

The freedom fighters’ love for the game continued following their release from prison and the end of the racist apartheid system. Sexwale was a leading figure in realizing the dream of brining the 2010 FIFA World Cup to a now free and democratic South Africa.

A revolutionary, a political prisoner, a government minister and a successful businessman, Sexwale’s life has been a story of transformation during a time of great change in his country, in the continent of Africa and across the world. 
Officials said that summit participants will be able to gain insight into the lessons that Sexwale can offer from his extraordinary life and draw inspiration from his example as they, along with the football community across CONCACAF, seek to bring about its own changes.

The summit, which will also be addressed by FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter includes a session on ‘Football’s Positive Impact on Society’ looking at success stories where the game has been used as a tool for positive change and ‘Football in Your Economy” featuring Dr. Danny Jordaan, CEO of the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010.

The session ‘Creating Successful Partnerships for the Development of Football’ features Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica, Nic Coward, General Secretary of the English Premier League and Don Garber, Commissioner of Major League Soccer.