Memorial soccer tournament set to remember teenager killed in Killaloe jet ski accident

It’s the second year in a row that a soccer tournament has been held in memory of Wassiou Ayawe. Pictured last summer are Alex Higgins and Jordan Ayawe - who was Wassiou’s brother and ‘best friend’

placeholder image — It’s the second year in a row that a soccer tournament has been held in memory of Wassiou Ayawe. Pictured last summer are Alex Higgins and Jordan Ayawe - who was Wassiou’s brother and ‘best friend’

Wassiou Ayawe, 19, passed away following incident 12 months ago

A soccer tournament is to be held in memory of a promising young soccer player to mark what would have been his 21st birthday.

For the second year in a row, Pike Rovers’ ground at Crossagalla in the city will be the venue for the Wassiou Ayawe memorial trophy.

This year, it kicks off at 1pm on Saturday, July 6 and is being organised by friends and family of the young man, who tragically died aged 19 years in a jet ski accident on Killaloe lake.

The tragedy occurred 12 months ago to the weekend, and Sandra Byrnes, who raised him as her son says she wants to keep organising the tournament every year to keep the talented soccer player’s memory alive.

“My main goal and focus is to keep Wassiou’s name remembered. Obviously those who love him will hold him in their hearts forever. But I want people to remember him for the talented soccer player he was. And I want that memory to live on. It’s something I hope to have the strength to do each year,” Sandra said.

Once again, all proceeds from the day will go to Killaloe/Ballina Search and Recovery, the voluntary group who helped Wassiou’s family on that fateful day last year.

Sandra said: “If I raised €1,000 for them this year, I’d be happy as I know €1,000 can go a long way. Anything after that will be a bonus.”

Ten teams will compete for the trophy.

Personalised medals bearing Wassiou’s face will be produced, while Sandra has commissioned a special memento soccer ball which she will then place at the final resting place of Wassiou.

Sandra brought Wassiou into her life when he was only nine weeks old, and cared for him on-and-off throughout his upbringing.

His biological mother Tracey was previously a family friend.

“I remember him every day. He had an infectious personality,” Sandra said. “I go to bed thinking about him and I wake up thinking about him. He used to say to me, ‘I'm Gucci Sandra, I’m Gucci! So I want this day to be Gucci for him,” she smiled.

If you want to get involved or make a donation, please telephone Gareth Grant at 087-7087011.