By Emmerson Campbell
Some 16 primary schools from Georgetown will tackle each other when the Courts Pee Wee (under 11) football tournament kicks off at the Thirst Park Ground on October 20.
The seven-a-side round robin tournament, which is also sponsored by Banks DIH Limited and Petra Organisation, was launched yesterday in the boardroom of Courts (Guyana) Inc. on Main Street.
Courts Guyana Inc. sponsored the Pee Wee tournament in 2008 and in 2009 with a three-year hiatus in between but according to Managing Director of Courts, Clyde De Haas the aim is the make the tournament an annual one.
“I am pleased to announce the third year of sponsorship,” De Hass said. “I applaud any initiative for children to incorporate sports with academics as it is a way of spotting and nurturing talent”.
“I urge each of you to play like champions and to the best of your abilities and even if you fall short there will be next year because we plan to make this an annual fixture on our calendar,” De Haas assured.
Director of Petra Organization, Troy Mendonca lauded the furniture company for reviving the tournament and also gave an overview of the tournament.
Mendonca stated that Courts would not sell more furniture or appliances by sponsoring the tournament but their initiative would provide a nursery for spotting and harnessing the talent “of a future Messi (Lionel) or Ronaldo (Cristiano).”
Mendonca said that the 16 schools will be placed in four groups of four where the top two schools in each group will advance to the quarter finals.
He also added that Petra Organization which was founded by himself and Marlan Cole will provide balls, small goals and goal keeping gloves for each school. Allison Rawlins, a representative of the Ministry of Education, thanked Courts and the other companies for sponsorship of the tournament and stated that the ministry will always support any extra curricula activity to that aids in the development of youths.
Rawlins also wished each team well in the tournament.
Brief remarks were also made by Marketing Director of Courts, Molly Hassan.
Prizes will also be awarded to player with the most goals and the MVP of the tournament.
The schools participating in the tournament are Marian Academy, Reedemer Primary, Success Primary, Enterprise Primary, South Ruimveldt Primary, F.E. Pollard Primary, Tucville Primary, West Ruimveldt Primary, St. Margaret’s Primary, North Georgetown Primary, Green Acres Primary, St. Pius Primary, St. Sidwell’s Primary, Sophia Primary, Ketley Primary and St. Gabriel Primary.
The tournament will conclude on December 1.
