The Share the Love tour hosted by Ballaz International provided four days of excitement and inspiration for Jamaicans as they brought a first of its kind all-star tour that ignited football fans and Jamaicans from all walks of life. The Share the Love Tour was birthed out of a desire to honour Jamaican football heroes, inspire a new generation of youth, share the Love of God as part of the ministry of Ballaz International, and to give the opportunity for the Brazilian football icons to see and experience Jamaica sharing their love for football and God with the Jamaican public.
The four-day tour included a historic game at the National Stadium between some of Jamaica's most prolific football players and an all-star Brazilian team. The Jamaicans left the game victorious, defeating the Brazilians 2-1 in the friendly match.
There was also a ground- breaking ceremony, city walk and clinic in Southside, Downtown Kingston. This event saw the ground breaking at the future sight of an astroturf field that will become a part of City Life Ministries' engagement with the community of Southside. The Brazilian team also walked through the community and executed a clinic at Breezy Castle for over one hundred children from Southside and surrounding communities. The tour saw church services held at Fellowship Tabernacle and Go for God Family Church, and they gave the Brazilian players an opportunity to worship and to share their stories of faith in God.
Lastly, the tour had a meet, greet and play with members of the Ballaz family. This event saw over 60 children and their families having the opportunity to interact with and be inspired by the Brazilian team.
Reflecting on the historic nature of the exhibition football match, 1998 World Cup goal keeper Warren "Boopy" Barrett said that "It was a great joy, honour and privilege to represent the national colours again with some of the best teammates that anyone could hope to play with. It really stirred some great memories which we all will carry with us for a lifetime".
Wolmer's Manning Cup player Jahwahni Hinds was overwhelmed by the opportunity.
"Hat's off to Mr Virtue for this opportunity. Friday night was one of the biggest nights of my football life so far. It has always been a dream of mine to play alongside legends and pioneers of my country and I enjoyed every moment of it," he said.
Director of Ballaz International Andre' Virtue said that "the tour was intended to inspire and ignite passion and hope in the people of Jamaica, especially the youth. As an organisation that is focused on football youth development, we believe that this was the perfect match and set of activities for such a tour of its kind," he added.