Following their confirmed status as Guyana’s lead sponsor for the recent International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) World Championships, the Beharry Group of Companies under its Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) brand, has committed to partnering with the local federation on future initiatives.
This was confirmed during a simple but significant presentation ceremony held at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue yesterday. The Internationally recognized brand donated GYD$1,500,000 to the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF), the local administrators of the budding discipline.
Marketing Officer of Beharry Restaurant Holdings, Pamela Manasseh said that the company was pleased to sponsor the local federation at their first championship.
She added that the entity has a storied history of supporting athletes and talents in local and overseas competition and wished the association continued success while reaffirming the company’s commitment to the development of the sport.
Guyana’s historic participation at the IMMAF Amateur World Championship in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), came from athletes Carlos D’Anjou and Ijaz Cave.
D’Anjou, who is the most experienced and active Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combatant locally, lost to Ireland’s Adam McEnroe via a second-round Technical Knockout (TKO) in their welterweight encounter.
Cave, who was given a bye to the round of 16 section, was knocked out (KO) by Sweden’s Robin Enontekio in the first round of their light heavyweight clash.
Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) President Gavin Singh thanked the company for its contribution, which was pivotal in ensuring the team’s participation.
“It’s a challenge financially to get athletes to participate in the championships, this is our first time and we look forward to their continued support,” he declared.
“I am truly proud and happy with the performances of the athletes and what they gave at the championship. They did their best and it’s a new experience for them on an international platform,” he added.
He thanked the executive of the IMMAF for their invaluable assistance and guidance which ensured Guyana debuted at the prestigious event, adding that participation was a major accomplishment and achievement for the federation, which has only received international accreditation 18 months prior.
Singh revealed that the association is working assiduously on plans to host local and regional tournaments which will require significant financial assistance.
“It’s the second-fastest-growing sport and safe in comparison to boxing as such athletes who enter the octagon must be taken to the hospital for mandatory checkups after each fight. These are part of the rules of the IMMAF to ensure its continued safety.”
He also recognized the contributions of the other sponsors inclusive of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Universal Travel, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), who played their part with their respective contributions
Vice President of Marketing for the GMMAF, Sherwin Sandy, commended the company for its input stating, “Thank you to all our sponsors for the event but a very big thank you to Beharry Restaurant Holdings.”
