Several teams from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados have confirmed their participation while other regional clubs are also expected for the Sixth Annual Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival billed for December 3-6 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Festival Co-ordinator Philip Fernandes disclosed at the yesterday’s tournament launch at the GCC pavilion, that regular visitors Malvern Hockey Club, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Notre Dame and Raiders all of the twin-island republic along with YMCA of Barbados are expected to compete in different divisions at the Festival.
While the North American teams are unlikely to compete this year, Fernandes, who is also president of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) said it was a pleasure having a team from Barbados competing at this Festival after an absence of five years.
He disclosed that Circus of Jamaica, Queen’s Park and Fatima of Trinidad and Tobago are also eager to come.
Defending men’s champions Hikers will lead Guyana’s charge once again in the men’s Open competition with Georgetown Cricket Club and Old Fort being the other two teams.
GCC Tigers, last year’s ladies’ winners , will be out to defend their title.
Hikers is the other Guyanese team.
Fatima of Trinidad and Tobago, last year’s veteran winners, should they defend their title will be faced with three teams from Guyana – Carib Degenerates, GCC Vets and Old Fort in addition to other foreign veteran teams due to compete.
According to Fernandes, the Festival has been a great success and to date, remains the indoor hockey tournament to attract the widest cross-section of teams in the region.
He disclosed that teams from as far a Europe have made inquiries but noted that the floor at the Sports Hall fall short of international standard.
“While the Sports Hall is being kept in good condition, an improvement to the floor, bringing it up to international standards can broaden the scope to as far as Europe who have already made contact,” The GHB head noted.
“Eight foreign teams have confirmed their attendance already and five more have shown an interest which, when added to our eight participating local teams, brings the tournament to a possible total of 21 teams.
“This tournament usually brings in excess of 100 persons to our shores and we expect no less,” he remarked.
According to Fernandes, the Barbados contingent should be 25 strong with players and supporters.
Two of the region’s leading umpires Roger St. Rose and Susie Gomes are expected to attend and will conduct training sessions for umpires during their stay in Guyana.
Demerara Distillers Ltd. and Ansa McAl are two of the main sponsors and both companies were represented at the launch.
Alexis Crawford, Brand Executive of DDL said that her company, through its Diamond Mineral Water brand, was pleased to be associated with the tournament once again.
She said when the GHB approached DDL the company had no hesitation in sponsoring since Diamond Mineral Water has long been associated with sports and champions in Guyana.
Ansa McAl Public Relations Officer, Darshanie Yussuf, said that Carib Beer will be the sponsor for the veterans tournament once again.
Other sponsors on board include De Abreu’s Creations, Igloo Ice Cream and Flora Margarine.
Fernandes also lauded the support of the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Olympic Association over the years.
The winning teams in the men’s and women’s open will each receive $1000 US first prize with the runners up taking home $500 US.
The winner of the veteran category will take home $500 US.
Also present at the briefing were Guyana Hockey Board vice president, Ivor Thompson, treasurer, Devin Hooper, Ansa McAl’s Nigel Worrell and Festival Committee member, Troy Peters.
