10 December 2008

UNITED SUPPORTS DAY OF THE DISABLED

United supported the International Day of the Disabled in an celebration event that was hosted by the Sisonke District Municipality in Kokstad on Saturday.

The Day also marked the launch of Leonard “Shoes” Gregory’s book, called “Shoooooes” a former soccer star who lost the use of his legs due to a motor accident. However “Shoes” is not lost to football, he now coaches and is in charge of a highly successful Football Academy in Kokstad. His senior team is in the last 32 of the Ned Bank Cup.

It was fitting for United to be part of this Day and the book launch, because “Shoes” played for Maritzburg’s Professional Team, Real Taj in the then Federation Professional League. He also played for Zulu Royals now known as Amazulu. Had it not been for the accident who knows how far Shoes’s is football career would have taken him.

"I must thank United for gracing this occasion and being here, it is pleasing and gives the Mount Currie Disabled Peoples Organization hope and satisfaction to know an institution like Maritzburg United Football Club cares", said Leonard.

United's Head of Development and also responsible for the Social affairs, Katz Naidoo, said the people of Maritzburg and “Shoes” goe way back and when asked to be part of the celebration, the Chairman, Mr. Farook Kadodia did not hesitate in fulfilling this request. "For us it is important to embrace people from all walks of life and support a former star of Shoes’s calibre", said Kadodia.

Maritzburg United F.C. played two games as part of the celebration and gave their fans in the region an opportunity to meet them first hand. An informal game was also played against a disabled team which was an eye-opener for the United’s contingent.

In the earlier game United beat Vodacom campaigners Moja F.C. 3-1 and in the event’s game of the day against a select East Griqua Warriors drew, goal less.

Some of the Players from the Mount Cuurie Disabled Peoples Organization pose for the United camera before their game against United.

Elda Lypser (centre) from New Readers Publishers makes the presentation to Maritzburg United Captain (Fabian Le Bon (blue) and East Griqua Warriors Captain, Brenden Jantjies who shared the Trophy after the drawn game. Also in the picture are the coaches, Leonard “Shoes” Gregory seated in the wheelchair and Katz Naidoo standing.

United (sky blue & white) and the East Griqua Warriors (maroon/white) pose for this photograph together with match officials before the kick-off.

Little Jason Gregory presents Uniteds Head of Development, Katz Naidoo with a issue of his father’s book, “Shoooooes” while his dad Leonard Gregory looks on.

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