RESIDENTS from communities across the Pomeroon River and Essequibo Coast came together on Sunday, September 13, for a day of sport, culture and community fellowship as Alfro Alphonso & Sons Enterprises of Charity successfully hosted its Annual Amerindian Heritage 2026 cricket competition at the Kabakaburi Community Sports Ground, Upper Pomeroon River.
The tournament featured a 10-over hardball cricket competition for males and a five-over-a-side softball competition for females, attracting teams and spectators from Kabakaburi, St Monica/Karawab, Akawini, Wakapoa and surrounding coastland communities.
Blessed with brilliant sunshine, the event provided an opportunity for residents to celebrate Amerindian Heritage Month while enjoying cricket, local dishes, drinks, music and a lively community atmosphere.
The sporting action began with the male fixture between Eagles Sports of St Monica/Karawab and Akawini Storm, with Eagles Sports securing victory.
In the opening female encounter, Wakapoa Royal Strikers defeated Kabakaburi Blazers. The second male match saw hosts Kabakaburi Blazers taking on Wakapoa Royal Strikers, with the visiting side emerging victorious.
In the second female fixture, Akawini Royal Defenders defeated Eagles Sports, setting up a final against Wakapoa Royal Strikers.
Wakapoa Royal Strikers went on to capture the female title after defeating Akawini Royal Defenders in the final.
As daylight faded, the male final was played between Wakapoa Royal Strikers and Eagles Sports, with Wakapoa Royal Strikers completing a memorable double by securing the male championship as well.
The tournament also placed special emphasis on children and education. Party bags filled with sweets and other goodies were distributed to children, while approximately 150 backpacks were presented to primary and secondary school learners during the interval.
Seventy-five backpacks were distributed to primary school pupils and another 75 to secondary school students.
At the presentation ceremony, all eight teams that participated in the preliminary rounds received $100,000 each.
The victorious Wakapoa Royal Strikers male and female teams each collected a trophy and $250,000 cash prize.
Eagles Sports, the male runners-up, and Akawini Royal Defenders, the female runners-up, each received a trophy and $150,000.
Third place went to Akawini Storm in the male category and Eagles Sports in the female category, with each team receiving a trophy and $100,000.
Kabakaburi Blazers finished fourth in both categories and each team received a trophy and $50,000.
Medals were also presented to the top three teams in both categories, while additional cash incentives were awarded to the Man of the Match in the finals, the batter with the most runs and the best wicketkeeper.
Cricket bats and gloves were also presented to outstanding performers during the tournament.
General Manager of Adamantium Holdings, Mr Eric Gomes, thanked all participating teams and supporters for contributing to the success of the competition.
Gomes congratulated the winners and commended the teams for their performances, particularly during the finals.
He said the competition is expected to return next year with plans for an even bigger and better tournament.
Throughout the day, patrons were entertained by the Calibro Brothers sound system, while local commentators provided ball-by-ball commentary, adding to the excitement of the competition.
The event ultimately brought together sport, culture, entertainment and community support, giving residents an opportunity to celebrate Amerindian heritage while showcasing sporting talent from communities across the Pomeroon and Essequibo Coast.