The ninth edition of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival was officially launched yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, Bourda. The tournament, which is set to commence on November 28 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, will feature a total of 19 teams inclusive of sides from Barbados, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago competing in three divisions, men’s, women’s and veterans’.
The winning and second place finishers in the men and women’s sections will receive US$1000 and US$500 respectively. The victors of the veterans’ division will receive US$500. The event is scheduled to conclude on December 1. Guyana Hockey Board President Philip Fernandes, during the feature address yesterday said: “We are pleased
with the success of the tournament over the years and its growth in popularity into one of the most popular events on the Regional hockey calendar.”
He added: “Before this tournament, there was no international hockey being played in Guyana and Diamond Mineral water took a risk when they embarked on this ambitious project with us back in 2004. We look forward to associating with this quality brand throughout the tournament and hopefully for many years to come.
“We are equally delighted to have one of our gold sponsors Carib Beer with us again this year who are the sponsors of the popular veterans’ competition,” said Fernandes.
“Demerara Distillers Limited and our diamond mineral water brand are pleased to be associated with this tournament for the ninth consecutive year. This partnership has had an incredible impact on the sport since it has provided the players with the opportunities to compete and enhance their skills,” said Diamond Mineral Water Brand Executive Larry Wills.
“Diamond Mineral Water is also proud of its contribution towards the spectrum of sports in Guyana and is committed to the development and promotion of sports as a health form of entertainment,” he added.
“Demerara Distillers Limited and our diamond mineral water brand will continue to support sports in Guyana and would like to take this opportunity to wish the GHB and the players from the region and international a competitive and successful tournament,” said Wills.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Ansa McAl Darshannie Yussuf said: “We at Ansa McAl and Carib Beer are proud to be on board. It’s our sixth year on board with the event and we are pleased to support a niche sport which gives these wonderful players an opportunity to showcase their skills”.
“Ansa McAl will continue to support sports and this tournament going forward” said Yussuf.
