The Petra Organization, the coordinators of the ExxonMobil Boys and Girls U14 Football Championships, conducted a team briefing and ball distribution exercise yesterday for the competing teams at the National Library ahead of the event’s kickoff on Saturday at the National Insurance Scheme ground, Carifesta Avenue.
Each school in attendance received two balls to aid in their preparation for the tournament. Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organization, said that the organization has worked assiduously to ensure that the event commences on Saturday, noting that all systems are in place following the completion of the final goalposts.
He added that the event is a fusion of people from all walks of life and that stringent measures will be employed to ensure the safety of the participants and patrons.
Meanwhile, Ryan Hoppie, ExxonMobil Community Relations Advisor, stated that it was vital for the company to invest in youth development.
“The fact that we have more than doubled our sponsorship value is testament to the stellar work being done by Petra,” Hoppie posited.
He stated that the tournament has the potential to forge new friendships, adding that sports does have the capacity to provide countless opportunities once the individuals are committed.
Gomatie Gangadin, Public Relations Manager of Guyana Shore Base said that the company was committed to supporting projects that are beneficial to the development of communities and young people, adding that fostering sports in the schools was important as sports have always been a vital complement of human life.
Kurt Brathwaite of the Allied Arts Department of the Ministry of Education, stated that sports play an important role in nurturing people and is an avenue to foster unity.
He declared that the girls’ component of the event should be applauded given the fact that females have often been marginalized in the sports realm.
The event, which features 32 boys teams and 16 girls schools competing in a group stage format, will be staged from May 13th – June 17th at the Ministry of Education and National Insurance Scheme grounds, Carifesta Avenue.
Participation will emanate from Regions #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #10. The boys teams are West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, North Ruimveldt, Institute of Academic Excellence, Charlestown, Dolphin, New Central, St Cuthbert’s, Friendship, Vergenoegen, Leonora, Freeburg, Brickdam, the Bishops’ High, Chase Academy, New Campbellville, Fort Wellington, Carmel, Tutorial, St Winifred, Marian Academy, Vreed-en-Hoop, Manchester, Waramuri, Patentia, President College, Cummings Lodge, Annandale, Bush Lot, Hope, Ann’s Grove, Dora, Bartica, Mackenzie High, Wismar/Christianburg, New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Canje, Woodley Park, and Charity.
The girls’ teams are West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Institute of Academic Excellence, Charlestown, New Central, Vergenoegen, New Campbellville, Carmel, Marian Academy, Waramuri, Patentia, President’s College, Cummings Lodge, Ann’s Grove, Dora, Mackenzie High, and Woodley Park.
Each division winner will receive $300,000 towards a school project and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth place finishers will pocket $150,000, $75,000, and $50,000 respectively towards a school initiative.
On the individual side, prizes will also be awarded to the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, and Most Valuable Player. Uniforms will be provided to the quarter-finalists in each section.
The event is also supported by the National Sports Commission, Demerara Distillers Limited, the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Football Federation.
