The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) came through in crunch time for the national men’s rugby Sevens team which will compete at this weekend’s Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championship in the Turks and Caicos.
GOA president, K.A Juman-Yassin Tuesday agreed to blanket the outstanding airfare expenses in support of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) to the tune of just under G$1M.
Before presenting the cheque, Juman-Yassin wished the team success.
In response, GRFU senior vice-president, Joshua Griffith, thanked the GOA for its timely donation and said they will aim to fulfill the endeavours of Juman-Yassin with a solid performance.
The union’s secretary, Terrence Grant, revealed that the GRFU was short US$5,400 for its airfare but with the $1.2 million donation from the National Sports Commission and the GOA’s donation, they have covered that and other expenses.
The national side will open its campaign from noon today against Belize, to be followed by a clash against Bermuda from 14:15h.
After day one, the top two teams from each of the three pools will advance to the Cup competition while the bottom teams will play for the Plate on day two.
Head Coach, Theodore Henry, has stated that the aim is to ensure they are part of the top four sides, as from there, the possibilities are endless for the seven-time champions, who last tasted champion success in 2016.
The tournament also acts as a qualifier for next year’s World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, with the winning side gaining the opportunity to compete for the 16th and final spot on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series.
The ‘Green Machine’ Squad: Jamal Angus (Captain), Godfrey Broomes, Rondell Mcarthur, Osei Mckenzie, Fabian Joseph, Lancelot Adonis, Peabo Hamilton, Avery Corbin Oneil Charles, Johnathon Garnett, Lionel Holder, and Tyrese Prescod.
Management: George David (Manager), Theodore Henry (Head Coach), and Akeem Fraser (Physiotherapist).
