The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) officially unveiled yesterday the Boys and Girls u16 teams that will be representing the nation at the upcoming Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship on local shores.
The junior national setup made their first public appearance yesterday at the Giftland Mall where the GABF officially launched the Championship which is slated to run from July 3rd-16th.
President of the GABF Nigel Hinds during brief remarks at the gathering said this was an historic moment for the country, noting “Times have changed and within this new climate, we are fresh off of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, and the hosting of the CBC games is a great step for Guyana.”
He indicated that the restoration being done on the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall will be a huge boost not only to basketball but to all sports that have access to the facility.
According to Hinds, education is the foundation for any successful state, noting “In the days of the Greek empire one of the recommendations made Plato is that school really stars with outdoor activity.
He further added “There needs to be a balance of the full support of the government to recognize the importance of sport plays in the development of youth”.
Meanwhile, Sports Director Christopher Jones said that due to restoration of the playing venue, the country is in the position to stage international events and this corresponds to the mandate set forth by the government.
He added that the aim is to provide multipurpose facilities in every region so that young people can have equal opportunity to showcase their talents, noting “This also brings tourism to the country because of the countries and types of coverage that will be coming into Guyana and it exposes the country for tourism”.
Jones further wished the two teams best of luck in the event while making a plea to the public to come out and support the event in an effort to make it a success.
The 12 members of the Boys team are Kevon Wiggins, Kelmar Carmichael (New Amsterdam Multilateral), Shamar France, Jermaine King (Berbice High), Andrew Johnson, Nigel Bowen, (Plaisance Secondary), Roydon Glasgow, (Bishops’ High), Akeem Crandon, Kareem Boyle (President’s College), Jordan Alphonso, Jahleel Young (Marian Academy) and Zion Gray (Tutorial High). Missing out on the team due to injury was Yonnick Tappin of Linden.
On the female side, the 13 members are Annalesa Barker (New Amsterdam Multilateral), Saffiya Greene (Berbice High) Daniella King (Plaisance Secondary) Kesann Charles and Jayla Jones (Bishops ’High) Onika Rogers, (Kwakwani Secondary) Demelza Nicholas and Annalisa Barclay (President’s College), Jada Mohan, Georgianna Vyphuis, Kellian Sauers and Jahrier Young (Marian Academy) and Rashida Hinds (United States).
