The registration process for participation in the inaugural Kares ‘One Guyana’ T10 Tape-ball Blast is completed, according to organizers of the competition, FL Sport.
The leading 32 teams from across the country have inked their commitment to the historic two-day tournament which goes down on July 29th and 30th in Georgetown.
The Participating teams are: Avery Lounge, Tarmac Titans, Movements Family, Guyana Power and Light, The United Crew, Village Rams, V-Net Vipers, Ariel XI, Eccles All Stars, East Coast Express, Eastsyde, Central All-Stars, MS 13 XI, Laluni, Team Corruption, Housing and Water One Guyana, Young Steppaz, Moruca XI, Continental Transport, Spartan Strikers, Storm Chasers, Diamond Gunners, PB General Contractors, Name Brand, CJIA XI, Big B’s Blairmont Blazers, Avinash All-Stars, Hero Riders, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Bartica Bulls, Team Upsetters, and Region Three Police.
The tournament will utilize an elimination format with matches on the opening day penciled for the Guyana Defence Force Ground, Police Sports Club Ground, and Queen’s College Ground, while the semi-finals and grand final will be staged on July 30 at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.
To progress to the championship match, a team must win three matches on day one and their semi-final on day two. They will then qualify to compete for the first prize of $1M cash and the specially crafted ‘One Guyana’ Trophy.
According to the Co-Director of the tournament, John Ramsingh, “Initially, we wanted 16 teams, but the demand and interest were enormous, and we had to expand to 32 [teams]. These teams are from all across the country, a true testament to our intention of bringing teams together from all over Guyana.”
He further stated, “From the squads submitted, it promises to be exhilarating action at its best, and we hope all teams follow the rules and exercise discipline. We know this tournament is in its infancy stages and will grow with more corporate support in the future. Additionally, the support of His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali has been pivotal since he accepted to be the tournament’s patron and has displayed his commitment to sport.”
Ramsingh also expressed immense gratitude for the support of Kares Engineering, who quickly committed to being the title sponsor, as well as Mohamed’s Enterprise, who sponsored the first-place prize and is also offsetting the transportation cost for team Moruca.
The other sponsors of the event are Banks DIH under its GT Beer brand, Star Party Rentals, Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc., E-Net, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, V-Net Communications, Trophy Stall, Premier Insurance, USA Cricket Zone, Beacon Café, Continental Transport, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, RS53 RestoBar and Lounge, Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn Shop, First Change Builder Inc., Impressions Inc., and Sicko Mode.
The first ever champions will pocket $1M, while the losing finalist will collect $300,000. The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with $100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.
Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before the championship match where the winning side will be rewarded $200,000 that will be donated to a charity of their choice.
The celebrity match will feature the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, former national and international cricketers, entertainers, sponsors, media members, athletes, former and current Ministers, and other influential persons in Guyana.
The Co-Director reminded that it is not only players, who will walk away with their pockets filled as there will be numerous instant prizes for the fans who participate in cricket novelty activities while the children will be pampered with free rides, games and treats in the Banks DIH Fun Zone.
