Damion Lowe and a teacher engage with a student at the Early Childhood Centre, as Dominique Walker, CEO of PrintWare Group, and Principal Mrs. Antonica Gunter-Gayle observe.
In a powerful gesture of community upliftment, Reggae Boyz Vice-Captain Damion Lowe has returned to his childhood neighborhood in Rockfort, Eastern Kingston, to make a meaningful contribution to the Stimulation Early Childhood Development Centre—a place dedicated to nurturing children with special needs. This act of generosity, done in collaboration with the PrintWare Group, goes beyond just equipment; it is a reflection of Lowe’s deep connection to his roots and his desire to leave a lasting impact on the lives of children who face unique challenges every day.
The donation included a state-of-the-art multifunction printer and four television sets, resources that will transform the learning experience for over 190 children who attend the Centre. These children, many of whom live with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome, will now have better access to the educational tools they need to thrive, thanks to Lowe’s gift.
Speaking on his contribution, Lowe shared the personal significance of the moment. “It’s always a great feeling to give back, especially when it involves helping students with special needs,” Lowe said. “This is just a small gesture compared to the work of the teachers, parents, and caregivers. I’m grateful to be able to support what they do.”
The Stimulation Early Childhood Development Centre, opened in 2018, is a beacon of hope for children facing developmental delays and behavioral challenges. For Mrs. Antonica Gunter-Gayle, the school’s Principal, the new equipment means more than just upgraded technology—it represents new opportunities for these children to engage with the world in ways that were previously out of reach. “The new resources will enhance our ability to print educational materials and introduce more audio-visual learning opportunities,” she said with deep appreciation. “We are grateful for Damion Lowe’s generosity and the partnership with PrintWare Group.”
The multifunction printer, valued at over $1 million, comes with lifetime support—unlimited ink, toner, and maintenance—ensuring the Centre’s needs are met for years to come. The televisions, which were specifically requested to enhance the children’s audio-visual learning, bring a new dimension to the classrooms, creating an environment that fosters interaction and creativity.
Dominique Walker, CEO of PrintWare Group, expressed her pride in being part of such a meaningful initiative. “These students will now benefit from an enriched learning environment with the support of the multifunction printer and TV sets,” she said. It’s clear that this donation, much like Lowe’s presence in the community, is a testament to what’s possible when people come together for a greater cause.
Lowe, whose success as a footballer has taken him far from the streets of Rockfort, has never forgotten where he came from. He frequently returns to give back to the community, hosting an annual Christmas treat for over 300 children since 2021, a tradition that has brought joy and hope to many families.
But for Lowe, the work isn’t done. He has called on others to help fill some of the gaps still present at the Centre. “There’s still a need for more TV sets and also air conditioning units for the classrooms. I encourage anyone who can help to fill this gap,” Lowe said, urging others to join him in making a difference.
Through his ongoing efforts, Damion Lowe continues to prove that success is not measured solely by personal achievements but by how much one gives back. His latest contribution, driven by a desire to improve the lives of children with special needs, shows that his heart beats strongest when he’s lifting up those who need it most.
D.C. United v Charlotte FC: Lesesne says hosts' confidence is sky high
Troy Lesesne believes D.C. United's confidence is as high as it has been all season ahead of their crucial Decision-Day meeting with Charlotte FC.
D.C. need a point to clinch a playoff place for the first time since 2019, which would end their joint-longest playoff drought (also four years between 2008 and 2011).
They are in contention with CF Montreal and the Philadelphia Union, with two wild-card spots still to be decided on the final matchday in the Eastern Conference, after recording back-to-back victories over Nashville SC (4-3) and the New England Revolution (2-1).
"When challenges come – and we've had many this year – it's easy for us to use those as excuses and pack it up," Lesesne told reporters.
"But our group has never done that, just look at all the things we've gone through this year, the mental endurance that these guys have displayed to be in this position...
"You learn so much about yourself and your players and I'm really proud of the group.
"You expected all along that it would go right down to the last game, but the confidence of this team right now seems to be at the highest it has been all year."
Charlotte, on the other hand, have already confirmed their postseason spot, though a victory could see them move from sixth to fifth and improve their playoff seeding.
"I know this game is more for seeding than anything else, but the main thing for us is to keep this going," forward Patrick Agyemang said.
"The main thing is to just continue on the road we're on, which is positive results. We want the season to end with a bang to put us in a good position for the playoffs."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
D.C. United – Christian Benteke
Benteke has scored 23 goals this season, equalling Raul Diaz Arce (1996) for the most in a single season in D.C.'s MLS history.
His nine headed goals, meanwhile, are tied for the second-most in a single year by any player since Opta began detailed data collection of MLS in 2010, behind Josef Martinez's 10 in 2018. Can he draw level with the Venezuelan?
Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang's goal for Charlotte last Saturday, in a 2-0 win over Montreal, was his 15th goal contribution of the season (nine goals, six assists).
He is one goal contribution shy of the single-season club record of 16, achieved by Karol Swiderski in each of the team's first two MLS campaigns.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
The home side has not lost any of the five previous meetings between D.C. and Charlotte, with D.C. recording a pair of 3-0 wins in their two home matches against the Crown.
Charlotte, though, have lost only four of their last 11 regular-season away matches dating back to the beginning of May (four wins, three draws).
D.C. United only need a point to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2019, ending a four-year postseason drought, and with home advantage on their side, they should get it.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
D.C. United – 37.1%
Charlotte FC – 36.6%
Draw – 26.3%
Bompastor's 100% start continues as Chelsea overcome Twente
Sonia Bompastor's perfect start to life at Chelsea continued on Thursday as the Blues beat Twente 3-1 to go three points clear at the top of their Women's Champions League group.
Having overcome Real Madrid in their Group B opener last week, Chelsea cruised to victory in the Netherlands to strengthen their grip on top spot.
Aggie Beever-Jones saw her 25-yard strike deflect in for a seventh-minute opener, and Chelsea were 2-0 up within 18 minutes as Maika Hamano lobbed goalkeeper Olivia Clarke.
Guro Reiten scored Chelsea's third from the penalty spot when Lieske Carleer fouled Mayra Ramirez just after the hour mark, with Nikee van Dijk netting a consolation for Twente five minutes later.
In the other match in Group B, Madrid got up and running with a resounding 4-0 victory over Celtic, with Scotland's Caroline Weir among the goals for Los Blancos.
Weir curled in a terrific opener from distance after just seven minutes, though Celtic then held firm and stayed in the contest until the latter stages.
However, Signe Bruun, Caroline Moller and Linda Caicedo all got on the scoresheet in the final 20 minutes as Madrid put some gloss on the scoreline at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium.
They were not the only convincing winners on Thursday, as Roma crushed Galatasaray 6-1 to go top of Group A on goal difference, with captain Manuela Giugliano scoring twice and laying on two assists.
The other game in Group A saw European heavyweights Wolfsburg and Lyon go head-to-head, with the French giants leaving Germany with a statement 2-0 victory.
Wolfsburg's Alexandra Popp joined Wendie Renard as the only players to make 100 Women's Champions League appearances, but the French centre-back overshadowed her by nodding in an eighth-minute opener.
Lyon had the better of the contest throughout, finishing with 2.75 expected goals (xG) to Wolfsburg's 0.83, and they killed the match from the penalty spot eight minutes into the second half, Lindsey Horan scoring after Melchie Dumornay was felled by Janina Minge.
Man Utd confirm Mainoo out for 'a few weeks' with muscle injury
Manchester United have suffered another injury blow with the news that midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will be sidelined for several weeks due to a muscle issue.
Mainoo, alongside centre-back Harry Maguire, was forced off during United's goalless draw with Aston Villa prior to the international break.
The teenager then joined Morgan Gibbs-White and Ezri Konsa in withdrawing from England's squad for their Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.
Ahead of their return to Premier League action against Brentford on Saturday, United issued a comprehensive fitness update, confirming Mainoo had joined Maguire on the sidelines.
While Manuel Ugarte took part in a recovery session after returning from international duty with Uruguay, the club said long-term absentees Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw are making "steady" progress in their recovery.
Noussair Mazraoui, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo all missed games for their respective national teams during the hiatus, but the trio are back in training.
Mainoo has played all seven of United's Premier League games this season, with the Red Devils earning their fewest points (eight) at this stage of any campaign in the competition.
He has the best pass completion rate (88.3%) of any ever-present United midfielder, with only Bruno Fernandes (261, 49) bettering his 250 completed passes or his 35 successful passes into the final third.
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