The overseas-based company has joined hands with the BCB to continue the successful relationship which started in 2007.
The company has so far pumped $1,250,000 into hosting two major cricket tournaments – the Tenelec Inc. Berbice under-15 tournament and the Tenelec Inc. Berbice 50-over first division competitions.
The company headed by Tom Gruentzel and Bobby Deonarine, uncle of West Indies Test player Narsingh Deonarine, has expressed total satisfaction with the BCB’s handling of its finances and also the successful hosting of the tournament over the years.
President of the BCB, Keith Foster at the presentation ceremony hailed the contribution of Tenelec towards the development of cricket in Berbice.
He noted the importance of the under-15 level, which together with the under-13 level, is the nursery of Berbice cricket as they nurture the young cricketers to become professionals and positive role models.
Tenelec’s sponsorship at the first division level was also recognized as a contributory factor towards the Berbice dominance of the senior inter-county tournaments. The Ancient County won both the one-day and four-day tournaments in 2009.
Treasurer of the BCB Anil Beharry in accepting the cheque expressed his delight at the renewal of the sponsorship so early. He noted that the board had to be doing things right for a major sponsor to renew its sponsorship before the start of the year. He also gave the assurance that the BCB will successfully host the tournament and give a proper account for the funds used.
Beharry stated that cricket in Berbice over the last two years has been undergoing unprecedented development and in 2010 more development would take place as the current administration’s main goal is to be the best cricket playing county in Guyana on and off the cricket field.
Bobby Deonarine in an invited comment stated that he was excited to be associated with cricket in the Ancient County and he was sure that his company’s investment would not only assist the youths to be involved in sports but would produce more outstanding Berbice cricketers like his nephew Narsingh Deonarine.
Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Board and Special Events Committee Chairman, Hilbert Foster disclosed that a total of 50 teams will take part in the under-15 tournament.
He said further that the Berbice 2010 under-15 team will be selected based on performances in the tournament. Foster also disclosed that the Board will be organizing a special luncheon to honour all the county’s cricket teams which made Berbice proud throughout the year.
The luncheon would be a thank you gesture from the Board and will be used to reinforce the need to work harder for more success in 2010.
