MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

JAMAICA'S national men's senior football team handed over a total of $250,000 to three charity organisations yesterday afternoon at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) offices in New Kingston.

After finishing second in the Gold Cup last month, the Reggae Boyz decided that they would donate funds from their exploits to those in need.

The Jamaica Special Olympic football team received $100,000, the same as Mannings Boys Home in Westmoreland, while Glenhope Nursery was handed $50,000.

"We started this a couple years ago during the World Cup qualifiers where we contributed to Glenhope. Now, this is a continuation of that," Roy Simpson, JFF senior team manager, disclosed during a brief ceremony.

"The players decided that they are now privileged young men and came through humble backgrounds, so they want to give to others who seek to emulate them. We continue to support respective charities, ones that the players decide to support," he said.

"Before we played against Mexico in the Gold Cup final, the Special Olympic team was all over the media, so we decided to contribute to those youngsters. The players will also be contributing funds to other organisations from money gained during the upcoming World Cup qualification games, starting next month," Simpson disclosed.

Audrey Budhi, director of Children and Family programme at the Child Development Agency (CDA), collected cheques on behalf of Mannings Boys Home and Glenhope, presented by local-based Reggae Boyz André Clennon and Hughan Gray.

Lorna Bell of Special Olympic Jamaica accepted on behalf of her organisation.