The Regional Conference segment of the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) National Championships 2013 was officially launched at Marian Academy Carifesta Avenue yesterday.
Chaired by tournament coordinator Chris Bowman, Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, said “On behalf of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Minister of Education, I would like to say that we appreciate and support this school initiative.
“This tournament which was started eight years ago is a reservoir for development and I welcome that it is not Georgetown based but a national event and will allow competing players international exposure as they will be able to make the Inter Guiana games team,” added Kumar.
Anjulie Beharry of tournament sponsors Beharry Ltd., stated that the company was proud to be a part of this programme as it helps to facilitate the development of individuals and that the company will continue to sponsor the event once the initiative continues.
Digicel Public Relations Manager Shonette Moore speaking on behalf of the mobile communication giants said:“Digicel is very delighted to participate in this venture. We like the fact that it’s not centered in the city but that it’s a national tournament and we will continue to support initiatives like these.”
Public Relations Officer (PRO) Troy Peters of Banks DIH Ltd posited “Once again Banks DIH is pleased to be associated with such a venture and will be sponsoring this event under the Powerade Brand. We see this tournament as Guyana’s NBA and urge the public to support event.”
The first NBSF tournament was played from June 26-30, 2006 involving eighteen schools in a single elimination format. From its inception the NSBF has been a joint venture between the NSC and Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) to develop a structured National School Basketball Championship.
The most successful schools in the history of the event are current champions Kwakwani Secondary and Linden Technical Institute with three national titles each.
Presently the initiative has grown to almost fifty schools participating for ranking in five separate Regional Conference tournaments and a chance to qualify for the National Championships which begins on July 1st and ends on July 7th. National titles are contested for U14, U17, U20 and girls developmental levels.
The five contested conferences will be the Ancient County Conference (ACC) – New Amsterdam and Corentyne, Diamond Regional’s Conference – East Bank, Country Conference- East Coast, Garden City Conference – Georgetown and Big 10 Regional Conference – Linden
This initiative will also be used indentify players for the Junior Elite program which will afford them the opportunity to be selected for Inter- Guiana Games team. The NSBF is recognized as the National School Basketball Championships of Guyana.
