The 15th edition of the eagerly anticipated and renowned Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival was officially launched yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue.
The event, which concludes December 1, will feature several teams competing in three divisions.
Five overseas teams from Trinidad and Tobago will feature.
In the men’s division, Queen’s Park and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force will match skills with Old Fort, Saints, Hikers and the Georgetown Cricket Club [GCC].
In the women’s division, a combined unit of George United will face stern competition from the local ladies of GCC Tigers, Bingo Spartans and Red Wine [combination of Hikers and Old Fort].
In the veterans section, Queen’s Park and Fatima will battle local sides Hikers, Old Fort and GCC. Winner of the Diamond Mineral Water men and ExxonMobil women’s divisions respectively, will walk away with US$1,000, with the runners-up pocketing US$500. In the Lucozade veteran pool, the victor will receive US$500.
In an effort to continue to raise quality of the event, referees Susan Gomes, Kevin George and Jordan Reynos will be officiating and assisting the local referee contingent.
Speaking at the launch, President of the Guyana Hockey Board [GHB] Phillip Fernandes, revealed that the tournament was birthed from the vision of renowned Sports Enthusiast and Commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, adding that the sporting icon provided the belief and inspiration which was required in making the tournament a reality.
Fernandes added that he expects a very competitive and exciting tourney since the competition has attracted quality players from the region.
He also thanked the sponsors for their continued contribution in making the tournament a local and regional success.
Larry Wills, Diamond Mineral Water Brand Manager stated that his company was proud once again to be the platinum sponsor of the event, a title that it has been afforded for “15 great years”, adding that the company is committed to the development of hockey and sports locally.
Meanwhile, Treiston Joseph, Communications Director of Ansa McAl affirmed the entity’s elation in being a sponsor of the prestigious tournament, declaring that the event has become an integral part of not only the hockey calendar but the sporting almanac.
Joseph said the GHB must be commended for coordinating an excellent tournament which has grown leaps and bounds as it is now recognized international by the Pan American organization.
Similarly, Nicholas Yearwood, Communications Manager of ExxonMobil, revealed that company was always analyzing the opportunities for partnerships with entities such as the GHB and that the entity is committed to developing sports locally.
