The CONCACAF U17 Women’s Championship Grenada 2016 official logo was unveiled to a loud applause on Thursday at the Radisson Grenada Grand Beach Resort.
The logo features the critically endangered Grenada Dove as most prominent, with accents of Grenada’s black gold, the nutmeg, Grenada’s lush vegetation, flora and fauna, and the Grenada national flag, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Grenada’s Minister for Sports Hon. Emmalin Pierre pulled the curtain for the big unveiling. She called on stakeholders to view the logo as a symbol of motivation for the development of football in Grenada.
She told the gathering of FIFA,CONCACAF, GFA and other representatives , “My hope this morning, is that the logo we are about to unveil, will be a symbol of hope for football in Grenada, that would encourage us to think about the potential that lies within the football association, within our country, within our young people.”
She also called on stakeholders to rally around the Grenada Football Association, in its quest to develop sports and host a world-class event. “Get on board. Do something that could make a difference,” she challenged.
GFA Vice-President Allan James is confident in Grenada’s ability to stage the Championships in 2016. He said, “While we are challenged with limited resources to meet all expectations, we are confident of the support from government and the business community to put on a world-class tournament.”
Grenada has already qualified for the tournament as a host country, along with Canada and the US — and Mr James warned that Grenada would not be easy to beat.
“We have learnt of the possibilities that nations such as Canada and the USA may have also included in their line-up persons with Grenadian roots, but I wish to assure everyone here that Grenada will be no easy opponent.”
CONCACAF Project Manager Ricardo Sarille said his organization is happy to partner with Grenada to stage the U17 Women’s Championship. He further stated that the logo was a collaborative effort between CONCACAF and the GFA.
Speaking of the vision behind the logo, GFA Acting General-Secretary Malaika Church revealed why the Grenadian Dove was made prominent. She told the gathering, “The Grenadian Dove takes centre stage in the foreground, calmly resting on a dry branch. It is our hope that this Grenadian dove would mirror the performance of our female players in the competition.”
The logo launch was attended by FIFA and CONCACAF Representatives, GFA Executive members, U17 technical staff in Grenada, and others. Grenada will host the CONCACAF U17 Women’s Championship from 3 to 13 March 2016.
