The Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABF) officially launched its second annual ‘Road to Mecca 2’ National Basketball Championships Saturday at the New Palm Court on Main Street.
The event which is billed to commence on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the preliminary round, will feature 16 of the nation’s premier clubs competing for over $1,000,000 in cash and prizes.
The initial round will last for a further two days on February 18 and 19. Upon the conclusion of the preliminary stage, the Super Eight section will begin on February 27 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The semi-final round will then occur on February 28 while the grand finale will commence on March 1 at the same venue.
GABF Vice-President Michael Singh during an address said he is anticipating an exciting and competitive tournament while noting the championship will be used as a base to resuscitate the sport.
“We are asking players and clubs to bring out their families to support them. If a team is booted from the tournament it should not be the end of any particular support.
If your team isn’t playing, it does not mean you cannot come out and support the game,” he said.
President of the GABF Nigel Hinds said the event which be used as part of the national team selection process for the impending Caribbean Basketball Championships slated to be hosted in June.
He noted the event will provide the perfect opportunity for spectators and sports enthusiasts to see the nation’s best basketball players showcasing their skills on a grand stage.
Recently appointed national coach Darcel Harris during a brief comment reiterated the best players in the tourney will be eligible to represent Guyana at international tourneys
He opined that the event will be a good test of the players fitness levels and overall quality before Guyana’s international series against Bermuda in March.
