x4

Guyana hockey

By Michael DaSilva
Thursday, September 23rd 2004
Plans are well on stream for the Guyana Hockey Board of Control (GHBC) indoor hockey festival billed for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from November 25 to 28.

In an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, Board president Philip Fernandes said everything is on stream and he has so far received confirmation from club teams from Canada, USA, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and responses are pending from Venezuela, Bermuda and Netherland Antilles. "It seems like we are poised for a good tournament with a wide cross section of participants" the former national mid-fielder stated.

According to Fernandes, the top two teams could receive in the vicinity of US$1000 and US$500 respectively.

Fernandes said the Board is currently in the process of securing sponsorship. "We have discussions going on with a number of companies. We have approached several business houses and I don't see us having a problem. We have been getting some favourable responses and it's only a matter of tying up the loose ends," Fernandes informed, adding "Our initial plan is to have a gold sponsor and then look at the smaller sponsorship like silver and bronze."

Fernandes said the board approached the National Sports Commission for assistance with transportation for teams to and from the Dr. Cheddie Jagan Airport and for a waiver on the fees for the use of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and any financial assistance they may wish to give. He said the board is awaiting a response.

"But they have more or less committed themselves to helping us. They said they are in support of the venture and said they are committed. They have in fact said they would be able to waive the fees for the facility," Fernandes informed.

Fernandes said the hockey board will be approaching BWIA shortly to seek assistance in getting a few umpires from Trinidad to Guyana, but he indicated that all teams were asked to walk with an umpire or two and while some of them (teams) have committed on coming, they have not committed on umpires.

Fernandes said while the tournament will be for both male and female teams, the local board is looking at hosting a minimum of eight male teams including three from Guyana and a possible 12. "We have confirmation from eight teams already including three from Guyana and we have four ladies teams confirmed, one from Barbados, two from Trinidad (Magnolias and Malvern) and one from Tobago (Strikers).

Fernandes said the men's team confirmed to date are Malvern of Trinidad, a selection from New York which comprises Guyanese and Caribbean players that make up the New York Islanders, a team from Toronto Canada, Trinidad and Tobago Police Force and Combemere School of Old Scholars of Barbados.

The local teams are Old Fort, GCC and Everest Hikers.

The closing date for registration is September 30 and the registration fee per team is US$100.

The tournament committee comprises Troy Peters (chairman), Gregory Sills (secretary), Philip Fernandes (accommodation), Jerry Bell (hospitality), Ronald Pinder (umpires/table officials), Dexter Wyles (refreshment /equipment), Deborah Lewis and Vanessa Thompson (public relations), Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe (security/ immigration), Gregory Sills, Timothy Jonas and Adrian Thompson (appeals committee) and Degenerates Hockey Club members (liaison officers).

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.