The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company in collaboration with the Guyana Softball League and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport launched the 2011 edition of the 10/10 Softball Cricket Competition last evening at the International Conference Centre.
The competition was a huge success when it bowled off for the first time last year and this year organisers promised an even bigger and more entertaining tournament with larger cash incentives.
Apart from officially opening the competition, yesterday’s launching saw a number of cultural items, musical renditions, the unveiling of the 10/10 trophy that will be up for grabs at this year’s competition and the unveiling of the new Kings Jewellery World 10/10 ring.
The tournament also received the blessings of President Bharrat Jagdeo, who capped off the evening’s proceedings with the feature address.
Speaking to the gathering, which was graced by dignitaries including officials from the government, executives of GT&T and the tournament’s sponsors, among others, Jagdeo expressed his gratitude to GT&T and the tournament’s sponsors for their “foresight and vision for launching the competition.
“We are very supportive of anything that will bring people together because we work everyday to achieve that goal,” Jagdeo said.
“We will do whatever we can to make this competition successful and enhance the tournament… the tournament has the full support of government,” he added.
“You can count on our support,” Jagdeo assured.
Further, Jagdeo stated that he welcomes the investments that are being made in cricket and said that he was pleased that GT&T has reinvested in the tournament.
“The tournament has the potential to raise cricket to a new level in our country and create stars that will keep Guyana’s cricket at a high level in the country,” said Jagdeo.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, also addressed the gathering and acknowledged the success last year and its expected success this year.
“Last year there were lots of sceptism whether the tournament would be a success but the tournament really paid off… there are a lot of positives that came together in this tournament that is making the tournament work,” said Dr Anthony.
The minister responsible for sport also said that he has set higher standards for the tournament and expects to see 1000 teams participating this year.
“Though it looks ambitious, I’m confident we will reach the target of 1000 teams,” he said.
He also acknowledged the participation of female teams in the competition this time around.
Also addressing the gathering was GT&T’s Chief Executive Officer, Yog Mahadeo who declared that this year’s tournament will have more cash and prizes at stake for winning teams.
He touted that the last tournament was a success with $5 million in cash and prizes, but said this year they have doubled the winnings to $10 million in cash and prizes.
According to Mahadeo, $2 million will be awarded to the winning male team, which is twice last year’s amount and $1 million will be presented to the winning female team.
“I’m proud to announce the GT&T will be spending more than $30 million to finance the 2011 tournament and we do it with great pleasure.
“The sponsors came on board with massive contributions… we are taking softball cricket to heights and glories that we have never seen before,” said Mahadeo.
