– Minister Anthony feels vindicated
PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds gave kudos to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company and best wishes to the female football teams from Georgetown and Lethem, Region Nine that went head to head in the finals of the first ever fastball tournament. The all-encompassing tournament kicked off at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence with a double-header Sunday evening.   
The competition attracted participation from over 200 teams across the country, and its uniqueness has even caught the attention of countries overseas that are enquiring about the game.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, who was among those who officiated at the ceremonial opening, feels vindicated in his predictions about the tournament.
“Not so long ago, when I was at the launching of fastball, I said then that fastball, as a form of football, would certainly help the community sport and as I stand here today, I’m very proud that over the last couple of weeks we have witnessed over 207 teams participating in this tournament.
Fastball is being touted as the largest tournament to date, and has already found itself in the development of the sport at the community level. Minister Anthony was confident that it will be one of the means of unearthing new talent.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Colin Klass, who echoed the Federation’s belief that the tournament will aid in the development of the sport at the community level.
“A number of new talent we have been seeing, and I think this fastball programme has its place and it has an impact in terms of the development of football generally,” the GFF President said.
At the end of the tournament, fans were treated to a regional concert on the tarmac of the stadium, with special guest appearance by Jamaican reggae dancehall artiste Sizzla.
The GT&T sponsored event saw teams clashing at venues in Port Kaituma, Region 1, Lethem, Region 9, Corentyne and New Amsterdam, Region 6, Bartica, Region 7, Linden, Region 10, and West Bank Demerara and Georgetown. (GINA)