The Bermuda School Sports Federation is to hold a fundraiser in aid of critically-injured footballer Gabriel Wilkinson next week.

The organisation will sponsor a mini-golf tournament on November 14 at the Bermuda Golf Academy in Southampton, in aid of Mr. Wilkinson's rehabilitation process in Boston.

The Somerset Eagles goalkeeper suffered a fractured skull and swelling to the brain after he was accidentally struck on the head by an Ireland Rangers opponent during a First Division match last month.

Airlifted to the United states for surgery, the 26-year-old Berkeley Institute physical education teacher was then sedated to bring the swelling down.

He was discharged from ICU at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts yesterday and is now recovering in a rehab clinic in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Organiser for the tournament, Manny Faria, explained why the BSSF decided to raise funds for Mr. Wilkinson.

"Gabriel suffered a horrific accident on the football field. His recovery is going to be a long and expensive ordeal. All of our teachers were shocked to hear of the news and we as an organisation would like to show Gabriel that we are here for him and would do anything to help him and his family in this time of need."

Mr. Faria said the funds will go directly to Mr. Wilkinson and his family.

"People often forget about the family members in these situations. They are suffering as well and we want to support them to make this ordeal as comfortable as possible," he added.

Mr. Faria said he and Acting Physical Education Officer Darrin Lewis decided to plan an event that would be easy to organise quickly, yet still had the potential to raise a large amount of money.

"I am involved in organising other charity events and having a mini-golf tournament is something I have been thinking of doing for quite a while. I discussed the idea with Darrin and he agreed we should look into it.

"We have come to find out that Gabriel actually worked at the mini-golf course and they have co-operated well with us in our preparations. Mini-golf doesn't take great skill and it is inexpensive.

"We hope that this will help to attract the necessary amount of people to make this venture a success."

Asked what he would say to encourage people to either sponsor the event, give a donation or play in the tournament, Mr. Faria said: "Gabriel is a young vibrant educator who has contributed a great deal to his club, school, community and country at such a young age. He now needs our support to get through this trying time of his life.

"It's going to be a fun evening and I encourage everyone to come out and support this worthy cause."

Entry fee for the tournament is $40 for a team of four players. There is enough space for 36 teams ¿ the first 18 will play at 7 p.m., the remaining 18 at 8 p.m.

The BSSF is also looking for persons willing to sponsor holes at a minimum of $200. Sponsors will have their company, organisation or family name displayed at the tee box and on the scorecard.

Those interested in playing in the tournament, sponsoring a hole or making a donation, should contact Mr. Faria on 535-3180. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, November 12, however if there is room teams will be accepted as late as Friday.