THE expanded ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Under-14 School’s tournament, co-ordinated by the Petra organisation, will make a start on May 13 and conclude on June 17.

Last year there were 32 teams in total, this year, it has grown to 48 teams – 32 boys and 16 girls – for the fourth edition.

Saturdays will be the main playing day at the NIS Ground on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, while the finals are next door at the Ministry of Education ground.

At the official launch on Friday at Cara Lodge, the organisers and sponsor expressed excitement over what lies ahead and the potential impact it could have on overall youth development.

According to Ryan Hoppie, Community Relations Adviser for ExxonMobil Guyana, “For us at ExxonMobil, establishing meaningful relationships that benefit communities are an integral part of our global/social enhancement efforts…it is part of our efforts to make positive contributions in Guyana; contributions that will be of value to your communities.”

More so, Marti De Souza, Deputy Chief Education Officer, re-emphasised the Ministry of Education’s endeavour to have each student learn at least one sport in a bid to produce more rounded students.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, applauded the stakeholders for taking the necessary step of presenting a platform for young talent to display their skills which can then filter into the Ministry’s National Academy.

The cash prizes, which go towards school grants, are $300,000 (first), $150,000 (second), $70,000 (third), and $50,000 (fourth), along with individual accolades.