Members of the visiting Caribbean Cougars Over-35 Rugby Football team of the United States yesterday presented trophies and playing gear to officials of the local organizing committee for the Schools Rugby tournament which takes place today in the National Park.
Eight schools in Georgetown will compete in the one-day competition in two divisions Under-14 and Under-16, National coach Sherlock Solomon, one of the local organizers told Stabroek Sport yesterday.
The competing schools are St. John’s College, Christ Church Secondary, St. George’s Secondary, South Ruimveldt Secondary, Tutorial High, Dolphin Secondary, Tucville Secondary and Charlestown Secondary.
The tournament is scheduled to start at 10:00 h with opening remarks by President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union, Noel Adonis.
The Cougars team was founded 20 years ago by Guyanese Bovell Ogle who is here with the 14-man delegation.
The side also includes Hilbourne Gumbs, Lionel Bingham, Anthony Cooper, Albert Straker, Terrance Braithwaite, Mark Webster, Norman Maxwell, Courtney Simon, Wilfred Neblett, Goodluck Douglas, Lockley Browell and George David.
According to Cooper, treasurer of the team, several businesses in the United States contributed to funding the equipment that will be used by the players today. Those businesses include Jeff’s Express, Brooklyn Jerk Centre, Stone Tower Construction.
Apart from the equipment, lunches will also be provided to the players and officials.
The Caribbean Cougars are here as guests of Yahama Caribs Rugby Club as part of their 15th Anniversary celebrations.
The team comprises nationals of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.