Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony yesterday endorsed the official launching of the Guyana Softball Cup 4 tournament, the brainchild of the Guyana Softball Floodlight Cricket Association (GSFCA), deeming the format as an introduction into the world of cricket for most Guyanese.
The honorable minister and GFSCA executives were present at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion for the launch of this year’s tournament.
According to Dr. Anthony, he was in full support of the event which has brought cricketers from across the world together over the past three years.
He explained that as Guyanese growing up, one would have first been introduced to the raw format of the game which is usually played in streets, schoolyards or in any vacant area which permits youngsters to engage in a game of cricket.
“Cricket is ingrained in the GFSCA,” said Dr. Anthony and called for the continued support of the group who have set the benchmark for softball cricket in Guyana.
The Minister also said that since the debut of the tournament, more and more overseas-based Guyanese, who have not been home for a vast number of years, have returned with family and friends to support the competition.
In concluding Dr. Anthony declared the GFCSA “4 not out!” referring to their fourth consecutive year of staging the event.
GFSCA vice president Ricky Deonarine said that competition which bowls off on October 31 will feature 12 foreign and 12 local teams who will engage in 36 preliminary matches.
The event will wrap up with two finals to be held on November 2nd.
Earlier, GFSCA president Ramchand Ragbeer said that the tournament is equivalent to the “Softball Cricket World Cup” and is expected to be bigger and better this year with the cash prizes exceeding two million Guyana dollars.
Darshanie Yusuf, PRO of Ansa Mcal said that the company via its Stag beer brand, was proud to be a part of the competition and was always ready to assist cricketers who are willing to go out and exhibit their talent to the world.
Rhonda Johnson, representative of the Rubis Gas Station chain, echoed the sentiments of the other sponsors, stating her pleasure towards being a part of the tournament for yet another year.
She quipped that the GFSCA had “bowled the perfect Yorker,” which in return induced their continued support.
The cash prize for the men’s Open division is $1, 000,000 with the winner pocketing 600,000 and a trophy while the runners-up will receive $200,000 and a trophy.
The player of the match in the final will flaunt gold and diamond bracelets compliments of Steve’s Jewellery.
The more senior category, the Masters division, will fetch a cash prize of $750,000 with the winner taking home a purse of $600,000 and a trophy while the runners-up will receive $150,000 and a trophy.
The MVP will be awarded the same gold and diamond bracelet.
