… As seventh edition of Guyana Softball Cup launched

ROGER Harper, a man with many titles yesterday called on Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton, to take serious steps to improve the image of sport locally.
Harper made the appeal during his brief remarks at the launching of the seventh edition of the annual International Softball Tournament dubbed ‘Guyana Softball Cup 7’, yesterday at the Demerara Cricket Club pavilion.
“We, the members of the sports fraternity, look forward under his (Dr George Norton) leadership for greater emphasis, greater application, and of course, to see this drive forward as far as sports is concerned, because from my perspective, we talk a lot about sports, but it’s time we start acting, and I look forward to this happening under the new Minister,” Harper, the president of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), said.
Organised by the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), the tournament has been confirmed for November 3 to 5 in Georgetown, with the finals billed for the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) under lights.
Further, Harper disclosed that the organisers must be commended. He is of the opinion that the tournament will provide a significant tourism boost as well it will raise the profile of sport locally.
Harper, who is the acting president of Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), the home of legends, lauded the relationship the club and GFSCA has built over the years, adding that the club looks forward for a long-term bond.
Meanwhile, during the feature address, Dr Norton acknowledged that the tournament will not only benefit those participating, but also provide a boost to sports in general, and sports tourism in particular.
Dr Norton added that, while the tournament will help to raise the sport profile in Guyana, cricket certainly brings people together, while promoting social cohesion.

In conclusion the minister, while indicating his Ministry’s full support for the tournament, commended the GFSCA, and at the same time called on all Guyanese to come out and be a part of the three-day event.
Further, president of the GFSCA, Ramchand Ragbeer, indicated that the tournament has gained tremendous success over the years.
Vice-president Jailall Deodass highlighted that the tournament has reached greater heights over the past six editions, adding that the tournament has grown over the years, and has become the single largest tournament locally.
Anil Beharry, chairman of the seventh edition, promised that this year’s tournament will definitely be bigger and better, with nine overseas teams confirming their participation. He indicated that close to 15 teams locally have indicated an interest to be a part of the event.
Teams will compete in the regular two categories – Open and Masters. In the open category, the winners will receive a trophy and $800 000, while the runners-up will walk away with $200 000.
The winner in the Masters competition will take home $600 000, while the runners-up will collect $150 000. The player-of-the-series in both categories will be the recipient of one softball bracelet. This gesture was also made last year.
Meanwhile, representative of one of the sponsors, Rhonda Johnson of RUBiS Guyana indicated that her company sees the value of the tournament, and as such is eager to embrace such an event.
Sheldon Hazelwood of Ansa McAl said that the company, via its STAG Beer brand, the official beer of the tournament, was proud to be a part of the competition once again, since the company will be celebrating its silver anniversary (25 years of service in Guyana).
Also making brief remarks were Avinash Hardat of Clear Water, the official water for the tournament, Mark DeFreitas of Survival Travel Agency and Ajay Jha of Mike’s Pharmacy, who all echoed the sentiments of their fellow sponsors, saying it was their company’s pleasure to be a part of the tournament.