THE Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) has thrown its support behind the Guyana Blind Cricket team, set to take part in the Regional Blind Cricket Tournament in St Lucia. The company yesterday handed over $200 000 to the team to assist in offsetting their meals and accommodation for the tournament. Speaking during the brief ceremony, Theresa Pemberton, treasurer of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association, indicated that the move by the company is one that has put several minds at ease.
“It’s very significant. In fact, it’s heralding the move for our amazing accommodation because we were really worried about that. It would have been very uncomfortable for our players to give their best when they don’t know where they (were) going to stay.
“However, we are very, very grateful to GUYOIL. They have done something for us that we cannot begin to say thanks for.”
She has indicated that preparation-wise; the side had been hampered by the lack of a facility to practise as well as the weather but is still confident of a good showing.
“We have been practising even though we had a tough time getting grounds. Malteenoes, we must say thanks to them. Once there was the weather, we were able to go and practise there during the morning hours. Of course we had our indoor practice at the gymnasium. We had two encampments which brought out a lot of the players and we know they are ready. We have a very young team.”
Managing Director (ag) of GUYOIL, Lesley Benjamin indicated that they were surprised by the efforts made by the differently-able persons and are more than happy to contribute to the voyage.
“We received a letter and we reviewed it with management and we came to the decision that this is something that we want to be involved in. Being blind is already a challenge and seeing that these blind students can play cricket, we just wanted to give them a little push in the accommodation and meals and hope that our small donation can help them this year. Hopefully next year, we would increase it.”
Meanwhile, it was revealed that of the $4.7 million budgeted for the tour to St Lucia, the team is still in the hole by $546 000. They however remained confident that Corporate Guyana will come to the fore and chip in.
The government had contributed by granting tax waivers firstly to the team before handing-over $2M for the journey.
The opening ceremony is billed for tomorrow with Guyana set to open their campaign on Wednesday against Barbados.