The fifth annual International Softball Tournament dubbed “Guyana Softball Cup 5” was officially launched yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion.
Edition 5 of the exciting, fast-paced game organised by the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will involve some 26 teams, with 48 matches over a three-day period. The tourney bowls off on October 30 and will continue over the following two days at grounds across the city. The finals will be held at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, Queenstown.
The budget for the tournament is approximately $9 million and will see seven teams from the New York area, two from Florida, two from Canada, and 15 local teams from Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice playing in 48 matches.
Teams will compete in the regular two categories: open and masters. In the open category, the winner will receive the wining trophy and $800,000, while the runner-up will walk away with $200,000.
The winner in the masters’ competition will take home $600,000, while the runner-up will get $150,000. The player of the series in both categories will be the recipient of one softball bracelet which was also awarded last year.
Three lucky spectators at the final will win a return trip to Barbados. Gurvy Harry, the administrative officer at the National Sports Commission, Department of Culture, Youth & Sports, Ministry of Education, said the Government of Guyana will continue to develop all aspects of sport and its athletes in Guyana.
He said that the Guyana Softball Cup 5 has the full backing of government. “The government has a pledge and will definitely live up to that pledge, which is to support sport and its athletes,” he said.
Earlier, GFSCA acting president Jailall Deodass highlighted that the tournament is the marquee event of sports and has reached greater heights over the past four editions.
Secretary of the GFSCA Lalta Gainda noted that the tournament has grown over the years, and has become the single largest tournament locally.
Meanwhile, representative of one of the 12 sponsors, Darshanie Yusuf of Ansa Mcal said that the company via its Stag beer brand was proud to be a part of the competition for the second year.
Another sponsor’s representative Atisha Isaacs of Clear Water, the official water for the tournament, echoed the sentiments of her fellow sponsor, saying it was the company’s pleasure to be a part of the tournament for the fifth year.
The last tournament winners in the open category, Wolf’s Warriors will defend their title while Floodlights will look to do the same in the masters.
