Both men’s and women’s defending champions Guyanese clubs Hikers and GCC Flora respectively will be in action on the opening night while reigning veterans’ champions Fatima of Trinidad and Tobago will go into action on Friday.
Regular visitors Malvern of the twin island republic will be fielding teams in all three divisions, while YMCA of Barbados who will be making their appearance for the first time will contest the men’s open category.
President of the Guyana Hockey Board Philip Fernandes said all systems are in place for the four-day tournament.
The Men’s division will feature defending champions Hikers, Malvern, GCC, Old Fort, YMCA and Western Dragons of West Demerara, while the women’s division will feature GCC, Malvern and Hikers.
Five teams, Fatima, Malvern, GCC, Old Fort and Hikers will compete in the veterans’ tournament sponsored by Ansa McAl through its Carib Beer Brand.
Fifteen matches will be played on Friday starting at 09:00 hours as the tournament organisers in collaboration with the Ministry of tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority have planned several site seeing tours around the city and a trip to Kaieteur Falls for the visiting teams on Saturday.
The semi-finals and finals will be played on Sunday.
Most of the visiting teams should be in Guyana by today while, International umpire Susie Gomes of Trinidad and Tobago is also expected to officiate, Fernandes disclosed.
The local clubs have been fine-tuning their preparation at the Sports Hall as they seek to turn back the strong challenge of the visitors and stake claim to the $1000 (US) first prize in the men’s and women’s division and $500 (US) in the veterans’ class.
The seven matches listed tomorrow are: GCC versus Hikers (veterans), YMCA against Old Fort (men), Dragons opposing Hikers (men).
