Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) officially launched the 12th edition of the National School Basketball Festival Conference Championship yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue.
The event which is slated to commence on March 31st, will be divided into four conferences which are New Amsterdam, Corentyne, Region #10 and Georgetown Combined. Upon the conclusion of the conference round, the Nation Championship will start in July.
During his feature address, YBG Co-Director Chris Bowman said, “We are extremely grateful to host this event for the 12th year in a row and it has been hard work. We started with one sponsor and because of Digicel, Banks DIH and Beharry Group of Companies, we have grown into the tournament you see today that spans several districts and touches over 600 students.”
He further added, “Regrettably Banks DIH and Digicel because of internal issues cannot be onboard with us this year, but it is also because of their commitment we are here today including that of the Beharry Group who has been onboard with us for nine consecutive years… finally I really just want to thank everyone who has been involved with us and helping us build our programme.”
Monique Tiwari, Brand Manager in Training of the Beharry Group of Companies revealed that the company will continue to support the championship, declaring that it’s thrilled with the achievements of the tournament throughout its lifespan.
Meanwhile Director of Sport Christopher Jones during a brief comment lauded the impact of the tournament, declaring that the entity will support the venture in any capacity that is lacking.
Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Vice-President, Kendrick Thomas affirmed that the local governing body is committed to working with YBG in the development of the sport, noting the sponsors should be praised for their unwavering support in an event that has made a tremendous impact. More than 50 schools are expected to compete in the tournament.
