CAROLA LILLIE HARTLEY
Publisher and Contributing Writer
“We have got to do better,” Mayor Julius Alsandor says.
The Opelousas Mayor talked with St. Landry Now this afternoon in a telephone conversation about the St. Landry Parish Football Jamboree that had to be cancelled partway through the event. “It was a good night,” the mayor said, “the Lord blessed us with good weather, and everyone was excited and ready for some football. But it ended with an unfortunate incident that resulted in the closing of the event.
Sadly, some of the young men who came to Opelousas to participate in the annual Jamboree to kick off this year’s football season were unable to play in a game since only two games were completed. The other scheduled game was not to be played. “That was sad,” Alsandor said. “It was unfair to those young men who work so hard in preparation for their team and their schools.”
The mayor confirmed there was a fight and the rumors started to spread. He stated, “Let it be clearly understood, there were no shots fired, confirmed nor verified.”
According to the Mayor, “for the good and safety of all there, the St. Landry Parish School superintendent, Park Superintendent and I all agreed the best thing to do was to cancel the remaining game in the Jamboree and ask everyone to leave the stadium. All the school principals and coaches understood our concerns and agreed with our decision.
The mayor said the city is looking at different safety protocols and procedures for the protection of the community and all stakeholders going forward.
The Mayor stressed the fact that no one was injured, or even worse. “That was a good thing,” he said.
He added, “this incident does not define Opelousas, and who we are. This is a good place with good people, and we will continue to do great things.”
