THE Uprising Promotions Committee (UPC), formerly known as the G.O.A.P.C., is set to make history on Saturday, August 1, with the staging of the inaugural Emancipation Secondary Schools’ Super 18 Tape Ball Cricket Festival at the National Cultural Centre tarmac.

The one-day competition will bowl off at 08:30hrs (8:30 a.m.) and will feature an exciting 36-ball, eight-a-side format designed to showcase the talent, energy and competitive spirit of Guyana’s secondary school cricketers, while celebrating the nation’s Emancipation observances.

Eighteen schools from across the country will compete for the prestigious Emancipation Trophy, with medals and $100,000 in cash incentives to be shared by the top two finishing teams.

The participating schools are Queen’s College, Saint Stanislaus College, Tutorial High School, St. Joseph High School, North Georgetown Secondary School, Bishop’s High School, St. Rose’s High School, Charlestown Secondary School, West Demerara Secondary School, Patentia Secondary School, Diamond Secondary School, Annandale Secondary School, New Campbellville Secondary School, Tucville Secondary School, St. John’s College, Christ Church Secondary School, B.E.I. Secondary School and the Linden Foundation Secondary School.

The tournament forms part of the committee’s commitment to promoting youth development through sport, while commemorating Emancipation in a meaningful and engaging way. The shortened Super 18 format promises fast-paced, high-intensity cricket, placing a premium on aggressive batting, sharp fielding and tactical decision-making.

The Uprising Promotions Committee is inviting cricket enthusiasts, students, parents and members of the public to attend and support the young athletes as they compete in what is expected to become a signature annual Emancipation sporting event.

The opening matches are scheduled to begin promptly at 08:30hrs (8:30 a.m.) on Saturday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac.