THE fourth Guinness Greatest of the Streets Futsal Competition was launched yesterday in the conference room of Banks DIH and is set to kick off on Saturday at the Albouystown Basketball Court at 18:00 hrs. This Petra-organised event will bring together 32 of Georgetown’s best teams as they compete for the grand prize of $600 000. The runners-up will pocket $300 000 while the third- and fourth-placers will receive $150 000 and $70 000, respectively.
According to Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Manager, Carlton Joao, the tournament branches off in four different zones; Georgetown, Linden, Berbice and Bartica.
Joao stated that the other three zone tournaments will take place between December and May before the winners collide to see who moves on to represent Guyana in the regional championships. This means one of the teams have a chance to win three tournaments and be the ultimate regional side.
Joao said he appreciates the response he has gotten from the fans and spectators and especially the teams and they will continue to make the tournament better alongside the Petra Organisation that is run by Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole.
“The success we have had with this tournament is immeasurable; the connection we have with the grassroots is remarkable and the response we received from fans and spectators was phenomenal,” the Marketing Manager declared.
Answering a question from the media, he said, “We have reviewed the security aspect of the tournament and we will assure the players and spectators that the law will have a great presence.”
Venues identified for the tournament include Albouystown Basketball Court, East Ruimveldt Community Centre Court, National Cultural Centre Tarmac, Sophia Exhibition Centre, Banks DIH Parking Lot and the National Park Tarmac for the grand final.