GUYANA’S National 7s Rugby team scored their first try of the year when they received $1M in sponsorship from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) yesterday.
The squad departs today for Las Vegas, USA where the members would compete against the world’s top Rugby-playing nations in the International Rugby Board (IRB) 7s World Series. At a simple ceremony, GT&T’s Chief Financial Controller, Royston Rachpaul, prior to presenting the cheque, profoundly expressed their pleasure of once again supporting the team for their second outing in Las Vegas.
“GT&T, as the better network, only associates with the best and it’s my personal privilege and that of the company for me to present the Guyana 7s Rugby team with sponsorship once again,” said Rachpaul, who went on to mention “we are very proud of these guys because we know how hard they work. So, we wish them the best of luck in Las Vegas”.
This is the fifth year GT&T is behind the sport, lending heavy support. The entity sponsored the then West Indies Rugby Team for three years (2007, 2008, 2009) during their participation in the IRB World Series.
However, since the team was disbanded, the telecommunications provider had supported the local ‘ruggers’ who earned their spot by claiming their fourth Caribbean Title.
The team later claimed another regional accolade last year, moving their tally to five straight trophies and were given another invitation to the grand stage for the game’s shortest format.
Rachpaul, during his short speech, said that GT&T is willing to support Guyana’s top sports teams and its athletes to help them realise their potential which can only come by competing with the best.
GRFU president Kit Nascimento thanked GT&T for its continued support, stating that it’s always a joyous moment when corporate entities can support any team/athlete in competing at an international event.
He said that rugby “over the past several years has been one of Guyana’s most successful sports teams and it’s nice that GTT in recognising that is continuing to support us”.
The Guyana team depart these shores today and will begin their quest for the cup against England. They are grouped with the Englishmen, the Argentines and the Frenchmen.