GSDF hands over equipment to seven schools
FOLLOWING the successful hosting of the teachers coaching course, along with the students referees programme, the Scotiabank/Pepsi-sponsored Schools Football Academy will get under way next Saturday at the Carifesta Sports Complex ground, Carifesta Avenue at 09:00 h. At a simple presentation ceremony held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education yesterday, the Guyana Sports Development Fund (GSDF), in collaboration with the two sponsors, presented to seven City schools equipment that will be used in the upcoming Academy.
Queen’s College, Christ Church, Tutorial, St George’s High (boys only), Marian Academy, Lodge Secondary along with North Georgetown and Tucville Secondary who are to be sponsored, were presented with trunks, balls, ball bag, one pump, 20 training vests, goalkeeper’s gloves, cones and whistles.
Prior to the presentation, Marketing Manager of Scotiabank Jennifer Cipriani-Nelson said her company was pleased to be associated with the Academy, since it was destined to be a success, based on the response received.
“I am excited to be here today for such a small but significant gesture, since it marks the commencement of the Academy.
We at Scotiabank are very excited, as the programme is moving along as we expected and while the response has been good, we are looking forward to seeing the outcome of the Academy, which holds a bright future for the sport.”
Marlon Gravesande represented Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), the sole distributors of Pepsi, and while he lauded the GSDF for organising the Academy, he called on the various participants to put into practice what they would have learnt while being students of same.
“The students would have undergone training in both practical and theoretical aspects of the game and the handing-over of the equipment to the various schools, whose students will use to put into practice what they have learnt at the Academy, is a great gesture.
However, while DDL/Pepsi plans to be a part of this and other gestures of such kind in the future, as we are committed towards the development of sport, we would like to see future national players emanating out of this programme,” said Gravesande.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) within the Ministry of Education, Olato Sam, was high in praise for the two sponsors as well as the GSDF, whose aim can be likened to that of the Ministry.
“First of all, permit me to extend sincere congratulations to the GSDF, as programmes like these highlight how the Ministry can work along with private institutions towards the development of students who will excel in sports and academics.
“It reinforces our objective to produce well-rounded students, while at the same time reinforces the Ministry’s process in every dimension of the education process, with a view towards expanding the initiative to other areas,” said Sam.
He further stated that in order for same to be achieved, other sponsors whom he called on,. would have to come forward and emulate the work of both Scotiabank and Pepsi, to make it a success.
The Academy will kick off next week with a march past of all seven participating schools, followed by a double-header encounter with the teams to be named shortly.