Pele in Dunboyne visit

The legendary Brazilian soccer star, Pelé, will visit Dunboyne AFC as well as meet students from St Peter's College on Thursday. Students from Dunboyne have been supporting Pelé's 'Goals for Life' campaign and, at recent Republic of Ireland soccer internationals, students from Dunboyne, all wearing yellow bibs with an image of Pelé, were collecting donations. The proceeds of the collection will be equally divided between Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and the Pelé Little Prince Children's Hospital, Brazil. The Dunboyne students have also organised a soccer marathon for first and second years as part of their fundraising for Pelé's charity. He will personally present a set of unique medals to the students for their fundraising efforts in the Goal for Life campaign. The Brazilian mint has produced a limited number of these unique medals, which are currently valued at €1,800 and are sure to increase in value. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Pelé's 1,000th goal, which he dedicated to the children of Brazil and the world. Pelé's visit to Ireland is being organised by the author, Don Mullan. He is the European ambassador to the Little Prince's Hospital and the Goal for Life campaign. Pele is due to arrive in Dunboyne around 12 noon for a 35 minute visit to Dunboyne AFC, the FAI Aviva club of the year. A festival atmosphere will prevail in the village from 11am when a Brazilian samba band will be kicking off festivities at the soccer grounds. The event will take place on Thursday, 26 November at 12 noon. Details from the Dunboyne AFC website are as follows: Gates open at 11.00 am to all supporters and fans Brazilian Samba band and Dancers on stage at 11.30 am Radio DJ Des King will act as MC for the day Pele will arrive by helicopter at approx 12.10 pm and will be greeted by our Chairman, Jake Robinson, and escorted to the stage Pele will be introduced to our President, Trustees, Committee Members and Officials, as well as 34 team representatives, one from each team, picked at random Presentation of gift to Pele and Pepito Presentation of €2,000 from local business to Pele's charity "Goals for Life". Pele will in turn present the club with a set of specially struck medals. Official opening of Dunboyne AFC by Pele and Jake Robinson. Presentation to Dunboyne Community School Presentation of specially commissioned caricature to Pele, and Pele to sign a second one as a gift to Dunboyne AFC Possible walkabout - weather and time permitting Pele departs to the sounds of Irish music and dancing After departure, Samba band, dancers, Samba footballers and Brazilian Martial Artists on stage No admission charge, but donations may be made at the gate to defray costs. Please note traffic restrictions in place from Newtown (new roundabout) to Baytown Cross No parking at grounds, other than for official disability badge holders. Shuttle bus service to and from Dunboyne village to and from roundabout at Newtown. A Brazilian themed party will be held in Dunboyne Castle Hotel on Saturday 28 November for all of our teams, the highlight of which will be the presentation of trophies etc. won by the club during season 2008/09. See www.dunboyne-afc.com for further details.