Set for November 1-3, the third Prime Minister’s Cup T20 softball tournament was officially launched Friday and a third category has been included.
At the simple ceremony with Prime Minister and First Vice-President, Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan present, the Guyana Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Organized tournament, will have increased prizes across divisions.
In addition to the Open category and the over-45 Masters, there will be an over-50 category called simply the “Legends.”
It was pointed out that three persons aged 49 will be allowed per team in the Over-50 class while two persons in the playing XI will be accommodated in the Over-45 class.
Prime Minister Nagamootoo reflected, “When I agreed three years ago to include the office of the Prime Minister with this softball tournament, I had very high hopes that this would become one of the major events in Guyana and it seems that expectation has not fallen astray because we’ve seen when looking at the prizes they are more attractive every time and some categories that seem to be catering for broader participation.”
He added, “While the younger population may see 50 years as senior citizen, it is very innovative to see a role for the over-50.”
Minister Norton stated that “softball cricket has served as wholesome extra-curricular activity for so many…softball cricket helps us to remain focused and constructively occupied.” Norton added that this format has a lot of following world-wide and commended the organisers for their work while calling for a female component in the tournament. Prime Minister Nagamootoo, also called for a women’s division.
Ian John, President of the GSCL told the gathering that the body has delivered on its promise to make this year bigger and better.
He noted the inclusion of around two dozen teams coming from Guyana, Canada, New York and Orlando in the United States of America.
John posited that the matches will be played in close proximity at grounds such as Everest Cricket Club, where the final will be played under floodlights, GNIC, Gandhi Youth Organisation, Demerara Cricket Club, Malteenoes and Police Sports Club while one is being considered at Enmore Community Center. In the Over-50 the winner will pocket $300,000 with the other two category winners carting off $500,000. Retisha Persaud of Rose Ramdehol said that the Most Valuable Player will receive a HERO motorcycle.
Banks Beer brand manager, Raul Nedd, said he was eagerly anticipating the tournament which the company which has been with since the inception.
