Culture and Sports Minister Wayne Scott and PLP MP Lawrence Scott might be on opposing sides of the political fence, but there are at least two things they have in common. Not only are they second cousins, they’re also both preparing to take part in a sumo wrestling competition to be held at PHC’s Community Fun Day on Good Friday.

The two politicians will be battling it out to show their support for the event, which plans to unite people from a cross-section of the community and raise funds to help improve PHC’s Warwick field.

The event will also include a one-mile run/walk, fun castles, kite-flying, tug-o-war, a dunking booth, a bull ride, six-a-side football and a variety of other games and food vendors.

MP Lawrence Scott said there weren’t too many family oriented events that catered to people of all ages, hence why people should come out on Friday.

“Most events are either for an older or more mature crowd or young children,” he said. “But this community fun day involves everyone and allows us to get back to the time when Bermuda was a big neighbourhood and tight community and how we used to always spend time together on Good Friday, which is a time that should be dedicated to family.”

The MP said he didn’t hesitate after being asked to take part in the unique fundraiser.

“I was up for it. One, it’s for a good cause and two, it’s something fun,” he explained.

“A good reason why I decided to do it is not just because it’s my cousin taking part, it’s also good for people to know that even though they see the back and forth in parliament, we are still friends and able to do things together and work together for a cause.”

Minister Wayne Scott said he also jumped at the chance to support his neighbourhood club and team.

He told The Royal Gazette: “PHC is in my community. It has always been a part of my life growing up and when they approached me with the idea for this fun event of course I supported it.”

The Government Minister praised the club’s President Jonathan Ball for doing things to raise awareness and create excitement for PHC.

He also said he had no problem with “making a fool out of [himself]” in a bid to help his community — and in the name of a little friendly competition.

“Of course being on different sides of the political divide there is always a healthy banter going back and forth, but I think this is an opportunity for us to do something for Warwick, which should be fun,” the Minister said.

The Community Day is being organised by PHC’s Going Home Committee, which is looking raise funds so the club can better utilise its Warwick field.

They are looking to add more fencing, bleachers, rest room facilities, and upgrade the lighting system, Mr Ball explained.

“Our objective is to be able to play football matches at our field again,” he said. “It’s been over ten years since we’ve been able to do that and when talking to some older members in the community they reminisce about the good times when they brought the family to watch football games. We want to bring that back.”

He encouraged everyone from East to West to come out to the event and enjoy “the Warwick hospitality”.

“We plan to have great traditional foods like fish cakes, as well as the Smoke & Barrell Food Truck serving different barbecue options,” he said. “All in all it’s going to be a really great day for families and the community as a whole.”

The Community Fun Day will kick off on Friday at 9am with a one-mile fun run/walk from Lindo’s (Warwick) to PHC field. Prizes will be awarded in several categories including the top male and female runners, as well as to the top primary, middle and high school.

At 10am, a host of other activities will start at the PHC field. DJ Chubb will be entertaining the crowd with the latest music, while recent Bermuda Idol winner Olivia Hamilton will perform along with PHC’s own Shakir Smith.

Local entertainer Willard Burch is also set to perform.

Race registration forms are available at The Sports Seller in Washington Mall. You can also register online at www.racedayworld.com.

Useful website: www.phc.bm