O’s STARS: ‘IT DOESN’T HAVE TO HAPPEN’

LOCSP Press Release: Friday 20 February 2009

O’s STARS: ‘IT DOESN’T HAVE TO HAPPEN’

Leyton, London - Orient players Loick Pires and Solomon Shields were on hand at Score, Leyton this week to support the nationwide Home Office anti-knife crime campaign ‘It Doesn’t Have To Happen’ writes Andrew Bontiff.

‘It Doesn’t Have to Happen’ was created by young people who want to take a stand against knife crime. The aim is to stop young people carrying and using knifes.

A series of localised launches saw Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) organise youngsters from across east London to attend the event which was attended by Olympic gold medal Olympic athletes Christine Ohuruogu and Denise Lewis as well as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Identity Meg Hillier MP.

Youngsters Loick and Solomon were in attendance to take part in the sporting activities and discuss with the young people present issues surrounding knife crime and what it takes to become a professional footballer.

Both Pires and Shields grew up in Waltham Forest and were delighted to be part of the campaign.

Loick Pires said:

“It is very important that events like these take place in the local area. It shows that we can come together, show support and aim to prevent knife crime.

“It’s good that we come down and show that local players can make it, if you work hard and follow your dream.

“Knife crime is a very serious issue and hopefully I can use my experiences and help prevent these young people from doing the wrong thing.”

Solomon Shields said:

“This is a great way for us to show support and an alternative so the young people can do something positive rather than hang around in the streets, especially in half term.

“It’s important that players and all the staff at the Community Sports Programme continue to be a positive influence on these young people. I remember when I was younger I attended these community activities and they are a really positive activity to be part of.”

For further information about Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme or the campaign please call 020 8556 5973, email enquiries@locsp.org or visit www.locsp.org.