Minister of Sport Anil Roberts extended condolences to the family of Trinidad and Tobago footballer Akeem Adams after the defender died in Hungary yesterday.
Adams has been in critical condition at a hospital in Hungary, after suffering a heart attack in September.
Yesterday the T&T Football Association (TTFA) via a media release stated: ‘’We would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathies on behalf of the officials, players and supporters of all our teams to Akeem’s family and friends at this sad time. Akeem’s uncle Ivan Dick and local representative Dion Sosa confirmed that Akeem left us at 12.45 p.m. TT time.”
Roberts noted that it is always difficult when a parent loses a son or daughter, but it was especially difficult in this case since this was a proud young national taken in his prime.
“As a father I cannot begin to imagine the grief and despair his family is feeling in these difficult moments,” said Roberts.
“Akeem was a talented young man who dedicated his life and career to the sport he loved. He stood as an example to many on how to fully utilise all the gifts and talents bestowed on him by the Creator. He even faced his final challenge with an optimistic spirit and kept up the fight, right until the end,” he added.
“The people of Trinidad and Tobago lost one of their talented sons, but I have no doubt that his legacy will certainly live on in our hearts and our minds.
“On behalf of the team at the Ministry of Sport and the Sports Company I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Akeem Adams,” Roberts concluded.
Left-footed defender Adams played six matches for the 26-times Hungarian champions this season and won eight international caps for Trinidad and Tobago.
Adams had only joined Ferencvaros in August, having previously played for local Pro League clubs W Connection, United Petrotin and Central FC “Sharks”.
He represented T&T at the Under-17 World Cup in 2007 and the Under-20 World Cup two years later, as well as the qualifying competition for the 2014 World Cup.
The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association organised a fund-raising campaign in his homeland and thousands of people had bought “I support Akeem” T-shirts. In all, the TTFA raised $ 72,300 towards the player’s aid.