TEAMS in this year’s annual Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival will benefit from increased motivational thrust: there is a 200 per cent hike in the winner’s purse for the male and female divisions.
According to President of the Guyana Hockey Board, the 2016 staging will see both the men’s and women’s purses being upped from US$1,000 to US$3,000 in order to keep quality high and hopefully attract teams from leading hockey nations in the future, while the runners-up will take home US$500.
Speaking during the tournament’s launch — yesterday morning at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion — the GHB boss indicated that this is just one of the changes that the 13-year-old tournament is undergoing with the aim of doing more for the sport.
A course is to be conducted from Monday, November 21, to the start of the tournament. It is being sponsored by Canadian national goalkeeper Mr. Shankar Premakanthan, and increased social media and internet presence, besides live streaming games via E-networks, are some of the new additions.
“We have received firm confirmation from a total of eight overseas teams (coming) from Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and the USA this year. This, coupled with our local invited teams, makes the tournament comprise of a total of 17 teams, with time remaining for a few more uncertainties to confirm,” the GHB boss said.
In addition to the local teams, Toronto Hockey from Canada, the Queens Park Hockey Club of Trinidad & Tobago, and The Ball Washers from Washington are some of the teams expected to be on show this year.
Meanwhile the tournament’s Platinum and Gold Sponsors, Demerara Distillers Limited and Ansa McAl Limited respectively, were both on hand to show their support. DDL Brand Executive Larry Wills contended, “We are once again very happy to be a part of this tournament. It’s been a pleasure working with the Guyana Hockey Board, and we have really liked the work that they have done in executing the tournaments throughout the year.”
Ansa McAl Beverage Marketing Manager Robert Hiscock said: “In this instance, we are sponsoring the veterans tournament, which I’ve been told is one of the more exciting aspects, and the Carib is very well enjoyed by those who participate. To sum it up lightly, I’d like to say good luck to all those participating,”
The GHB has again invited Pan American Hockey Federation Umpires Manager Ms. Susie Gomes to oversee the festival in order to ensure the highest level of officiating possible.
The tournament will take place from Thursday, November 24, to Sunday, November 27, at the National Gymnasium.