HAVING successfully partnered with the Guyana Softball League (GSL) earlier this year to host the first ever 10/10 softball competition, telecommunications giant Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has done it again.
This time, the entity is partnering with the Guyana Tapeball League (GTL), a subsidiary of the GSL, to run off a six-a-side Tapeball tournament which carries a hefty first prize of $500 000. The tournament which has attracted close to 200 teams and is set to bowl off this Sunday, with the final being played under lights at the Everest Cricket Club ground, was launched with a simple ceremony at the same venue yesterday.
Newly appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of GT&T, Royston Rachpaul, said his company has taken pride in contributing towards the development of sports in Guyana, hence their willingness to sponsor the competition.
“The GTA approached us after the completion of the 10/10 competition, with regard to hosting this tournament and were told to put forward a budget with regard to same, which they did and here we are today.
“When we looked at the success story behind the 10/10 softball competition which brought out the young and old from all Diasporas of Guyana we figured same can be done with this Tapeball competition, hence we agreed to sponsor the winning prize,” said Rachpaul.
He urged the GTA to continue working hard and wished them, along with the other sponsors and teams competing in the tournament, the best of luck in the future, before he handed over the trophy to the organiser’s president.
GTA’s president Aleem Khan thanked GT&T and all the other sponsors for making the tournament a success and while stating that the tournament is a Guyanese thing, urged the players to go one step further and play hardball cricket.
Also making brief remarks were the respective marketing managers of Hand-in-Hand and GTM in Anita Jodhan-Khan and Anita Shivprashad, along with Director of Sport Neil Kumar.
According to Shivprashad, GTM, which sponsors the Guyana Cricket Board’s Under-19 Inter-county tournament, was pleased to be presented with another opportunity to play a part in the development of youths in Guyana.
“I would like to say thanks to the GTA for inviting GTM on board with his tournament, which gives us the opportunity to play a part in the development of the youths in the country. We are always supportive of sports in Guyana and we wish the GTA all the best in this venture.”
Jodhan-Khan also wished the GTA well with the tournament, while stating her company Hand-in-Hand was honoured to be approached for sponsorship with regard to the tournament.
In his brief remarks, Kumar congratulated the GTA for organising the tournament which he feels was done at the right time when cricket was at fever pitch in the country.
“You are smart and that’s something the various sponsors must have seen in you that’s why they decided to come on board. This tournament is being played around the same time when cricket is at fever pitch in the country, banking on the recent success of our team in the Regional T20 tournament.
“As the management and staff of GTM would be aware of, all 15 members of the national team who will be going to South Africa next week Monday, passed through the GCB/GTM competition and that’s an added plus for GTM,” stated Kumar.
He added: “Let me congratulate the GTA for organising this wonderful tournament, and I would like to assure all the sponsors that they would not have to worry about credibility, as they will get same from the GTA.”
Apart from the first place cash prize, there will be a trophy and medallions for the victorious team, while the second-place team will receive $200 000 and a trophy.
The two losing semifinalists will pocket $50 000 and a trophy. The two top teams from Berbice and Essequibo and the numerous zone winners from Demerara are guaranteed $10 000 and a trophy.