The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) on Thursday received a whopping $2.5m dollars from the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) as the two entities prepare to stage their third annual GUYOIL/Tradewind Tankers International tournament from November 20-22 at the National Gymnasium.
During a brief handing over ceremony held at the Olympic House on Main Street, executives of the GVF headed by President John Flores and including Assistant National Coach Ian Wills and former GVF head Lenox Shuffler were among the federation’s senior members who shared the head table with Guyoil Operations Manager Reggie Bhagwandin and other representatives.
Trinidad & Tobago’s Big Sepos, who are the current defending champions in the male category, along with teams from Suriname, Brazil and French Guiana and two teams from Demerara and Berbice, are expected to collide over the November weekend.
Flores explained that the tournament is used to assess the level of volleyball progression in Guyana and is primarily geared towards unearthing new talent to afford them the opportunity to showcase their skills in a professional environment.
Overseas teams are expected to be in Guyana by November 19 for the competition which will spike off on November 20 with a march past at 16:00hrs followed by two matches commencing at 17:00hrs.
Saturday and Sunday will see the teams locking horns in a series of matches played throughout the day. Exceptional players as well as the first, second and third place teams in both male and female categories will receive medals, tokens and trophies.
Regarding selection for the local teams, Flores explained that they will be selected shortly through a process to be conducted by the coaches and selectors in order to assemble the best group of players.
Bhagwandin, during his brief remarks said that Guyoil was pleased to again be on board such a venture which integrates volleyball teams from across the world, adding that sponsorship will continue to be provided by the company as they are satisfied with the transparency and accountability which the GVF has embodied over the years.
Tradewind Tankers is the shipping company used by Guyoil and has been supporting volleyball in Guyana for a number of years.
Admission to the Gymnasium over the three days is free and the GVF along with the sponsors encourages the public to support this venture.
