To all interested Rotarians:

Unfortunately the D9320 Soccer Project has had to be cancelled

The "Scoring against Child mortality Soccer Project" is dead! We may as well add "What could have been" after the title.

Our sponsor requests have all now been received and politely rejected and it has been decided that, although we have some months left in the 2010 to keep the begging bowl aloft, we have been advised that sponsors may well have been drained and would be less inclined to help after the big event than before.

I would like to thank you all again for your patience following your initial enthusiasm to participate, and, to coin a phrase, it's the thought that counts, and yours was always the fuel that helped me to take it forward to this point. I am deeply sorry to disappoint you all with this news.

For the record it appears that the people of Haiti were not the only victims of loss, as our original promised source of support, Rotary Canada, turned their attention to this tragedy, perhaps justifyably. The recession prevailing locally, did the rest.

Let us join our fellow citizens and enjoy the next few weeks' Extravaganza. Although that which we strived to avoid and improve upon will probably now happen, it is of little solace that, at least, our conscience is clear. WE TRIED!

Thanks again, fellow Rotarians.

Mel Smethurst