By Kizan Brumell
Bakewell, manufacturer of the best breads in Guyana officially became a sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) in 2000.
Since then, they have played a major part in the rapid development of the club which has become one of Guyana’s leading youth and sports clubs.
The business entity sponsors the RHTY&SC’s first and second-division teams and the under-17 team, which forms a crucial link between the junior and senior teams.
They have also co-sponsored the annual youth magazine, awards ceremony, cricket academy and Christmas charity programmes all run under the auspices of RHTY&SC.
And at a simple ceremony held in the boardroom of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) last week, the company, through its Marketing Executive, Maurice Robello, renewed its commitment to the Berbice club with sponsorship to the tune of $170,000.00.
Speaking on behalf of RHTY&SC prior to the presentation of the cheque, secretary of RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster informed those gathered including newly inducted patron of RHTY&SC June Mendes how proud a moment it is for the club to renew its’ ties with Bakewell.
“RHTY&SC are proud to continue the relationship with the renewal of the Bakewell Cricket Sponsorship for the under-17 and second-division teams at the cost of $ 170,000 as the money will be primarily for preparation of the team for 2008, transportation, cost of balls and snacks.”
Foster added:” The club is proud to have Bakewell on board and to be associated with its brand of products. Over the years, Bakewell has not only sponsored the team, but also co-sponsored our annual youth magazine, awards ceremony, cricket academy and Christmas charity programmes respectively without failure.
“The club also operates an economic project with the company which brings in much needed funds to the organization each month and we are here today to continue the relationship with the renewal of the Bakewell sponsorship for the Under-17 and second division teams.”
Foster said the Bakewell sponsorship has contributed to brothers Esaun and Royston Crandon and Assad Fudadin going on to play for Guyana at the highest level.
On the local scene, Abdel Fudadin, Delbert Hicks, Renwick Batson, and Khemraj Mahadeo have all represented Berbice at different levels, whilst Dominic Ricky played for Guyana at the under-15 level.
Shawn Perreira and Lloyden Lewis also represented Guyana at the under-15 level against England whilst at the under-19 level Eon Hooper and Michael Felix have represented Berbice in this year’s GTM under-19 Inter- county tournament, with the latter being included in Guyana’s 20-member squad for possible selection to Barbados to participate in the TCL under-19 tournament next month.
Stephen Lewis has been given the honour of leading the under 17 squad while Michael Rangasammy will skipper the second division team. The club expressed its profound gratitude to the entire management team of Bakewell, especially owner Naim Nassir and his wife, general manager, Rajendra Ganga, marketing executive, Robello and his assistant Jacob Nanan and other members for their cooperation over the years and belief in the work they do.
“We would like to thank Bakewell for standing by our side in good and bad times and wish to reassure them that the club will continue to do the outstanding work we are doing with the theme of sheer hard work, faith in God, discipline and honesty, said Foster.
Robello speaking on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Naim Nassir said: We are very happy to continue our eighth successful year with RHTY&SC. Sport and youth go hand in hand and RHTY&SC is a shinning example of what hard work and dedication can do.”
He added: “RHTY&SC has grown from strength to strength over the years and even though Mr. Foster realizes that he is no human dynamo, he ensures that the club achieves its objectives as it grows every day.”