By Yonalla Dalrymple
The University of Guyana rugby team yesterday responded to the call in aid of the blood bank’s `Good Samaritan Programme’ for blood donations resulting in 13 members of the team donating blood to the bank.
According to captain of the team, Rondel Mc Arthur, they saw it fitting to participate in the activity since it was beneficial for persons especially athletes.
“I personally believe that all athletes should also become donors because it helps the body to create new blood cells which is very good for the body,” Mc Arthur told Stabroek Sport yesterday.
The members of the team also said that the initiative was a way of giving back to the community and also to help raise awareness so as to encourage persons to donate blood.
Mc Arthur stated that this was the first time that the members of the team decided on this form of donation but will definitely not be their last.
“We have planned to pay the bank several other visits after this one. We can do it annually or every six months it all depends on how our training runs,” he added.
“I think that the public would look at us as a well organized unit who came out to contribute towards the nation,” Mc Arthur stated.
Daniel Anderson, a member of the team, stated that they are asking Guyana, especially sporting organizations, to participate in the three-day blood drive.
Anderson said that the team also used the opportunity to solicit sponsors for the upcoming Carib’s International tournament which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from December 6-11.
“We are looking forward to attending this tournament; this will be the first time that our team will be playing overseas so we are trying to seek sponsorship through this activity,” Anderson said adding that the university has agreed to give the team one million dollars towards its participation.
Preparations for the tournament are in full swing under former national coach Laurie Adonis, he added.
“We are on the field three days a week and we are more likely over 50 per cent but by the time we meet there we will be more than ready,” said Anderson.
He added:“We have a lot of experienced players and we also have players coming out from the junior ranks so we are definitely ready to take on the opposition and we are asking the rest of Guyana to partner with us as we prepare to participate in the Tobago tournament,” he ended.
