–NSC promises $2M at launch of National School Basketball Festival

CO-DIRECTOR of Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), Chris Bowman, promised to continue pushing youth development through sport at the launch of the 14th edition of the National School Basketball Festival yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Bowman hailed the commitment of his team of organisers (who run the festival), sponsors and the National Sports Commission, but bemoaned the lack of support from some sections of corporate Guyana.

The hardworking administrator told the youngsters, which included the teams that are competing in the U-18 tournament, that they need to seize the opportunities that the festival offers.

“…The NSBF is the only platform for you (student athletes) to test, measure and showcase your ability at a national level. In other words, this comes before being seen as a prospective national player. What this means is that you have to seize the moment.”

High in praise for the YBG was Director of Sports Christopher Jones, who indicated that the NSBF has helped to develop and unearth numerous talents over the years. Although he admitted that government can do more, he also promised a contribution of $2M from the National Sports Commission to the festival.

Jones, like Bowman, also applauded the sponsors at this year’s tournament, especially Beharry LTD, who has been sponsoring the event consistently for 11 years, the last six of which have been as headline sponsors.

Other long-serving sponsors include Banks DIH, Bounty Farm, John Fernandes and the NSC.

Joining the group this year was Exxon Mobil.
Although the festival tipped off yesterday, regional competitions have been ongoing since March over several locations in the country.

The U-18 competition was expected to move into the quarter-final stage from this afternoon while from Tuesday, the Boys’ U-14 group format and the Girls round-robin competition will commence.

The tournament continues daily up to Sunday (when the semi-finals will be played), while the three finals are scheduled for the following Sunday (July 13).