“THIS is the essence of what education should be like for our young people in this country….use this talent that these young people have exhibited to make them into wonderful student/athletes, ensuring you can transfer this enthusiasm into their school work.”Those were the words of Chief Education Officer (CEO) within the Ministry of Education, Olata Sam, who was at the time delivering some brief remarks at the closing ceremony of this year’s Petra Organization /Courts Pee-Wee Under-11 football championships at the Banks DIH, Thirst Park ground last Saturday.
During his remarks, Sam took the time to shower praise on Co-Directors of the Petra Organization in Troy Mendonca and Marlon Cole, sentiments that were later echoed by Marketing Director of Courts (Guyana) Incorporated, Molly Hassan.
According to Sam, the work that is being done at this level by the duo must be commended, as they are not only providing a means of recreation for the students, but also grooming young cubs for Guyana’s Golden Jaguars.
The CEO said he is hoping Corporate Guyana can host another tournament of the same kind in the next term, so that the players who competed in the just concluded tournament can hone their skills.
“I am committing to working with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and anybody else to make this possible. Maybe in March, April or May, we can have another competition maybe on this scale or something smaller, so that these young people can be able to train and practice so that we know amongst them are the next national player who will put Guyana on the international stage.
Kudos to the two fine gentlemen from the Petra Organization, whose brainchild it was to organize a tournament of this nature, since we know that in the years to come we would have groomed them from small for bigger things. They have done a wonderful job and I must say thanks to them.
“Courts is extremely proud to be a part of this tournament this year and also we are proud of the work that was done by both Marlon Cole and Troy Mendonca, who did so tirelessly to make this tournament a success.
We have invested $3M into this tournament this year and looking at how the tournament was organized and executed, I can safely say that it was money well spent and we will continue to make this tournament a success story next year, thanks to the parents, students, players, teachers, media and most importantly, the two fine gentlemen,” stated Hassan.
On behalf of Petra Organization, a humble looking Mendonca said heartfelt thanks to Sam and the Ministry, Hassan and Courts, Banks DIH, teachers, students, parents and even the fans who turned out in their numbers to show their support to the tournament, making it a success.

(By Calvin Roberts )