THE presidents of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Pan American Hockey Federation yesterday paid courtesy calls on the Guyana Olympic Association and the Ministry of Sport, seeking to ensure Guyana comes in line with other federations around the world to have an artificial pitch for the sport.
Leandro Negre, president of the FIH and Alberto `Coco’ Budeisky president of the Pan American Hockey Federation yesterday met with Guyana Olympic Association president Juman-Yassin and a representative of the Ministry of Sport as well as president of the Guyana Hockey Board Philip Fernandes to discuss plans for taking Guyana’s hockey forward.
The two presidents also had the opportunity to meet some of the country’s leading male and female players as well as a group of young promising players at the Georgetown Cricket Club, ground yesterday.
According to Fernandes, this is the first time that any FIH or Pan American Hockey Federation’s president has visited Guyana. Fernandes noted that the last time an official of the Pan American Federation visited Guyana was some 20 years ago.
Interacting with members of the media yesterday, Budeisky said he is very happy to be in Guyana and his main reason for being here is the fact that his Federation is pushing the authorities here in Guyana for Guyana to have an artificial pitch.
“You in Guyana are making big efforts in trying to take the sport forward and we want to help in that regard,” the Pan American president stated.
Negre, a former national player for Spain said he is also happy to be in Guyana and, like Budeisky, he too would like Guyana to get an artificial pitch.
While interacting with the youth players at the GCC’s mini artificial pitch yesterday, Negre said he is very happy to see so many youths are involved in the sport.
Asked what is the main purpose for his visit, Negre said, “We’re here to find a piece of land to construct an artificial pitch so that Guyana can come on stream with the rest of the world.”
Budeisky said while he met with the GOA and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport, he is unaware of who really is the Minister of Sport, but would like to meet with him.
He said he understands that the country is going through a transition period and meeting the Minister of Sport would not be possible during this visit.
“I want Guyana to get a piece of land and we at the Pan American level will assist with funding for the pitch,” Budeisky stated, adding “Guyana has been performing and they (players) do need a pitch to move the sport forward”.
By Michael DaSilva
