On June 9, 2004, hundreds of Grenadian nationals and friends of Grenada in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area gathered at the Embassy of Grenada to welcome the Spice Boyz and cheer them on to victory in Ohio. Highlights of the festivities included welcome remarks and pep talks by Ambassador Denis G. Antoine and Consul General Janice Celestine, as well as an introduction of the players and team officials by Manager Mr. Cheney Joseph. The evening reflected a truly unified effort between the Embassy and the Grenadian community. Several members of the community responded to the Embassy’s call to make this event a memorable sendoff. In so doing, they prepared local dishes and organized a fundraising raffle with soccer equipment donated by Ms. Jennifer Johnson of Andall’s Hike and Sports, Grenada. All proceeds were utilized to secure game equipment for team players. The players and officials alike, expressed their sincere appreciation for the community’s warm and enthusiastic welcome to the United States. Mr. Joseph said that the evening’s turnout and overwhelming expressions of support buoyed the team’s confidence and further strengthened their resolve to bring home a victory. A Special thank you is extended to the members of the Washington, DC Coordinating Committee (Allan Alexander, Norbert Douglas, Haydn Hood, Marlene Howard-Moore, Wayne Thomas and Windell Thomas) for their hard work and dedication in facilitating the visit of the “Spice Boyz” to the area. The “Spice Boyz” who arrived in Washington, DC on Tuesday, June 8, 2004, will depart for Columbus, Ohio, early Friday morning. Thousands of Grenadians will follow the team to cheer them on in this historic soccer match. Souce: Embassy of Grenada Washington DC