THE inaugural Chico/Kashif and Shanghai Under-13 inter-school football tournament kicked off yesterday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground following a colourful march past of the eight competing schools.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Ministry of Education’s Nicholas Fraser and members of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation all took the salute from the children of Company Road, West Ruimveldt, BV Quamina, Soesdyke, Uitvlugt, St Gabriel’s, Tucville and Grove primary schools who will be vying for top prizes and honours in the event that is being sponsored by Edward B. Beharry and Company Limited.
In his remarks, Co-Director of the Organisation, Kashif Muhammad, was mostly in high praise for the Beharry Company for making the event possible, stating that “the decision by the Beharry Group to sponsor this event says a great deal about the quality of the business enterprise and the people who manage it”.
He further mentioned that “investment in our young people, whether it be in education, in health or in sport is an investment in the future of our country. I want to let all those of you who are participating in this event know that we in the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation are immensely proud to be associated with this initiative”.
Muhammad was of the view that having such a tournament is imperative for the continued development of football and changing the image of the game and he assured the gathering of players and spectators that “this is only the beginning of what we want to be a long journey. The Kashif & Shanghai Organisation is fully on board with the development of our youth in the field of sport”.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Samuel lauded the organisers and thanked them for giving the schools and players a grand stage to showcase their talents and committed his government and personal contribution to making sure that it goes as long as the annual Kashif & Shanghai  tournament.
He also thanked the Ministry of Education for coming on board and giving their fullest support to the tournament.
The ministry’s head of Physical Education, Nicholas Fraser, said that the inclusion of the Chico Under-13 tournament has now forced them to set up a calendar of events for football in schools since it now means that the children would have something to look forward to during the Christmas season.
Fraser said, “We at the ministry are more than happy to have this tournament and I must say thank you to Beharry for sponsoring the entire event and outfitting all the schools and we are looking forward to seeing some of Guyana’s future stars on show because sports plays an important part in balancing one’s life.”
The tournament will be played simultaneously with the annual event, concluding on January 1, 2013 with the final at the GFC ground.