ONCE again, beverage distribution giant Ansa McAl Limited, through their Mackeson Stout brand, has joined forces with a sporting organisation to give the local sports fans and enthusiasts alike, a spectacular tournament – this time basketball being the winner.

At a simple ceremony held in their Beterverwagting boardroom, Mackeson brand manager Jamal Douglas said it was an esteemed privilege given to his company by Trinity Grid Pacesetters Basketball Club to have them sponsor its upcoming Inter-Ward basketball tournament.
Twelve teams, including present Inter-ward champions Albouystown/Charlestown, will do battle for the first place prize of $250 000 a trophy and replicas when the tournament bounces off on Saturday at the recently refurbished Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).
According to Douglas, “Mackeson is pleased to be associated with this tournament, having joined forces with several other organisers to give the basketball fraternity the Mackeson Smooth Moves 3 on 3 tournament and we will be looking forward to undertaking events of this nature around the country.”
Prior to Douglas’ his brief remarks, both Dennis Clarke, the chairman of Trinity Grid Pacesetters, and Frank ‘English’ Parris of Eyefull Entertainment also made brief remarks to the audience which included members of the media and director of YOLO Entertainment Kirk ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine.
English urged patrons to witness the matches which will culminate on September 29 (if need be, as a best-of-3 final is carded). He assured them of the security of their vehicle, since tight and vigilante security will be made available.
“I know that when people visit the venue, the first thing they tend to worry about is vandalism being executed on their vehicles. With this tournament, you do not have to worry about such, since I am in charge of security and my aim is to give the patrons the highest level of service in this field.
“So you can come out and bring the family, enjoy the games and have fun with the half-time shows and novelty giveaways during the matches, while your minds will be at ease as it relates to the security of your vehicle in your absence.”
Clarke said his club will be using the tournament as a fundraising venture, as it is their aim to journey to neighbouring Suriname and oppose their sister club the Suriname Yellowbirds in a series of matches there.
As an added boost for the tournament, the 12 participating teams will have the opportunity to use two guest players who are in good standing with their area association and the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF).
On the plus side, the Suriname Yellowbirds are expected to visit Guyana during the hosting of the tournament and will play a series of matches against a Select XI, of which Douglas has been given the esteemed privilege to select.
Apart from Albouystown/Charlestown, the other 11 teams who have signalled their intention are: McDoom/Diamond, Lodge/Meadow Brook, Plaisance/Vryheid’s Lust, Melanie Damishana, Kitty/Campbellville, North/South Ruimveldt, East/West Ruimveldt, Tucville/Guyhoc, Buxton, Wortmanville/Werk-en-Rust and Alberttown/Bourda.
Admission to the venue is $500 every playing night, with children under 12 uears free. There will be special giveaways to fans along with novelty events and musical entertainment.
The second-, third- and fourth-placed finishers in the tournament will receive $125 000, trophy and replicas, $75 000 and a trophy and $50 000 and a trophy respectively.
Individual prizes, named after former national basketball players, will also be up for grabs, with the Best Three-Point shooter receiving the Eon ‘Wyco’ Leitch trophy, Best Free Throw (Stanislaus Hadmond Trophy), Most Assists (Mark Agard Trophy), Most Block Shots (Dave Trotman Trophy) and Most Rebounds (Eon ‘Watusi’ Andrews Trophy).
The Most Valuable Player will also walk away with a trophy and, apart from Ansa McAl’s Mackeson Stout, other sponsors to date include Precision Printing, Star Party Rentals, Noble House Seafoods and Lens Craft Optical.
Other persons and businesses, who are interested in giving their support to the tournament, can do so by calling 629-0106 – Kurt ‘Chow Pow’ Jardine or 231-4896 – YOLO Office, 661-5832 – Dennis Clarke and 621-6738 – Frank ‘English’ Parris.