Due to the unfortunate occurrence of the country’s first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) yesterday opted to suspend the start of the inaugural Andrew Ifill Knockout tournament.
This was disclosed in an official statement from the entity. According to the correspondence, GABA President Jermaine Slater said, “Despite only having one known case, the GABA is as strong as our members (clubs, players and officials) and as such, we are here to make our playing environment one where persons are comfortable and safe.”
Slater further said, “The GABA will keep an ear to the ground and wait for a word on the country’s medical minds on what it will be best-suited to host the Andrew Ifill Knockout tournament, and other planned tournaments.”
He added, “Sportsmen and women, especially those involved in contact sports, are at high-risk of being contaminated and as such, the GABA would like to issue a call to all involved in the sport of basketball locally, even if you play just for fun or to keep fit, to take the necessary precautions being advertised by the World Health Organization, especially, to safeguard yourself and family.”
The Andrew Ifill Knockout tournament was commissioned to celebrate the life of the late national player, who passed away at the age of 40 on October 2019.
The tournament will be contested in the Open and Under-21 divisions. The teams slated to compete in the U-21 division are Eagles, Colts, Sonics, UG-A and UG-B. On the other hand, Guardians, Colts, UG-A, Vikings, Sonics, Pacesetters-A, Eagles, Pacesetters-B, Kobras and Ravens will contest the Open section.
