Water sports are set to make a splash in Region Four next month with the hosting of a major regatta at Splashmin’s Resort and Fun Park on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway on May 1 and 2.
This event is expected to involve race boats from Bartica and Pomeroon and world-renowned jet skier Alexandre Sampaio, from Sao Paulo, Brazil is expected to be in attendance. At a press conference yesterday in the boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Shelliza Allie who heads the publishing and promotional company, SASS Studio, launched the ‘Fast and Furious Regatta and International Jet Ski Stunt’.
SASS Studio has been in operation for the past 17 years and originated in Linden but it only recently launched its name.
A very enthusiastic Allie yesterday expressed the hope of making the event an annual one in order to encourage regatta in Region Four. Allie noted that although regatta is held in Bartica, not everyone is able to attend the event and persons are deprived of a wonderful experience.
“There is not much done for water sports in the region,” Allie said. “I have promoted regatta before and it was always an event I wanted to repeat, so I have taken this venture on as a personal project and intend to make it a yearly activity.”
Allie stated that the event will not only focus on encouraging water sports, but will also promote domestic and international tourism.
Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad was scheduled to attend the press conference but he had to be absent because of a last-minute engagement. However, his ministry is reported to be in full support of Allie’s venture.
Meanwhile, the regatta in Region Four will also feature canoe and speed boat races and Allie is encouraging any individual who wishes to participate in the events to contact her at the Splashmin’s Resort office.
In addition, as a side attraction there will be 20/20 cricket played among teams from Springlands, D’Edward Village and Parika as well as a Splashmin’s All Star Team.
On each of the two days there will be about 12-15 boat races, along with three jet ski stunt shows. Prize money for the two-day regatta is estimated at $2 million, while the cricket prizes stand at $300,000.
The overall event is expected to cost an estimated $6 million, and Allie said while she is very happy with the support the event has received so far, some more sponsorship is still needed. Several prestigious companies including Banks DIH are supporting the event.
“The support so far has been overwhelming and I wish to thank the public and sponsors for their support. We are still soliciting sponsors to cover our prize monies so we are encouraging companies to come onboard with us,” Allie said.
Addressing concerns pertaining to the capacity of Splashmin’s Resort as an adequate venue for an event of such magnitude, Allie said the lake is indeed satisfactory for the regatta.
In addition, the event is expected to have optimum security, along with a medical team and an ambulance.
Tickets for the event are expected to go on sale from April 20.
