PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday met with the organisers of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, which will be played in Georgetown on July 29 and 30.

President Ali, the tournament’s patron, recommitted his support of the tournament, noting that it is an event that will bring many people together from varying communities under the ‘One Guyana’ banner.

The President also unveiled the specially-made hand-crafted winner’s trophy.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who was also present, pledged his support of the tournament.

The tournament features 32 teams drawn from various geographical locations.

Preliminary matches will be staged at the Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force, Queen’s College Ground, YMCA, and Transport Sports Club, while the finals will be held at the Everest Cricket Club Ground on July 30.

To progress to the championship match, a team must win three matches on Day One, and their semi-final on Day Two.

They will then qualify to compete for the first prize of $1M cash, and the specially crafted One Guyana trophy.

The organisers are grateful for the support of Kares Engineering, which quickly committed to being the title sponsor, and Mohamed’s Enterprise, which funded the first-place prize, and offset the transportation cost for Team Moruca.

They also wish to express their gratitude to Banks DIH, through GT Beer, for fuelling the weekend; Star Rentals; Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc.; ENet; Regal Stationery and Computer Centre; V-Net Communications; Trophy Stall; Premier Insurance; Cricket Zone USA; Beacon Café; Continental Transport; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; the National Sports Commission; RS53 RestoBar and Lounge; Jacobs Jewellery & Pawn Shop; First Change Builder Inc; Impressions Inc; and Sicko Mode.

The first-ever champions will pocket $1M, while the losing finalist will collect $300,000.

The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with $100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.

Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before the championship match, where the winning side will be rewarded $200,000, which will be donated to a charity of their choice.

The celebrity match could feature President Ali, former national and international cricketers, entertainers, sponsors, members of the media, athletes, former and current government ministers, and other influential persons in Guyana.

The organisers wishes to remind that players will not only walk away with their pockets filled, as there will be numerous instant prizes for the fans who participate in cricket novelty activities.
At the same time, the children will be pampered with free rides, games, and treats in the Banks DIH Fun Zone.

There was a change in fixtures to accommodate the usage of normal mud pitches, as unanimously requested by participating teams.

Round of 16 matches commence at 13:30h at all five venues, while Super Eight matches start at 16:00h, and will be at QC, Police, and Guyana Defence Force Grounds only.
The semi-finals and final are on July 30 at Everest Cricket Ground.

Round of 32 fixtures:
Matches starting at 09:00h
1. Eccles All Stars v Hero Riders – Queen’s College Ground
2. Ministry of Human Services and Social Security v Bartica Bulls – Queen’s College Ground
3. Avinash All-Stars v PB Contractors – YMCA
4. Continental Transport v Moruca XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground
5. Eastsye v Airport XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground
6. The United Crew v Spartan Strikers – Guyana Defence Force Ground
7. Village Rams v Young Steppaz – Transport Sports Club
8. Ministry of Housing & Water v Central Stars – Police Sports Club
Matches starting at 11:00h:
9. Ariel XI v Movements Family – Queen’s College Ground
10. Big B’s Blairmont Blazers v MS 13 XI – Queen’s College Ground
11. Team Corruption v Upsetters – YMCA
12. Guyana Power & Light v Laluni – Guyana Defence Force Ground
13. Name Brand v Storm Chasers – Guyana Defence Ground
14. Tarmac Titans v EC Express – Transport Sports Club
15. Diamond Gunners v Region Three Police – Police Sports Club
16. Avery Lounge v V-Net Vipers – Police Sports Club