Amid much fanfare and expectation, the inaugural ‘Xtreme Clean Gold Rush Futsal Championship’, was officially launched yesterday at the Windjammer Hotel, Kitty, featuring teams from the communities of Georgetown, Linden, East Coast of Demerara and West Demerara region.
The event is slated to commence on May 26th, with the other playing dates being May 27th, 28th, June 6th, 8th, 13th, 15th and 17th. The tournament will feature 24 teams competing for over $800,000 in cash and prizes.
The first two dates will feature elimination fixtures, with the resulting 12 teams being divided into three groups of four. Upon the conclusion of the group round, the top two finishers in each pool and the best two third place finishers will advance to the quarterfinal round.
The competing teams are Sparta Boss, Back Circle, Broad Street, Sophia, Gold is Money, Tigerbay, North East La Penitence, Festival City, Dave and Celina All-Stars, Showstoppers, Agricola, BV-A, Melanie, Albouystown, Kitty, Tucville, North Ruimveldt, Alexander Village, Plaisance, Future Stars, Campbellville, West Back Road, Globe Yard and Bent Street.
Shanae Gomes, Managing Director of Xtreme Clean and Maintenance Corporation, said the event which is first social venture attempted by the entity, is being used to sensitize the public about the services of the corporation which include landscaping and cleaning.
Meanwhile, National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Ivan Persaud, said “NSC is proud to be a part of such venture. I’m glad that they understand from early, their social responsibility as a business. I’m sure it speaks for everyone in the sport community and the NSC is happy to be onboard and we will continue to support in any venture going forward.”
He added, “We already have sports and tourism, so how about sports and entrepreneurship. I think it’s one of the things His Excellency President David Granger is talking about in Guyana, for young people to come together in groups and exercise their entrepreneurship skills.”
According to Persaud, “Congratulations once again to the event and the company and we hope that you go from strength to strength. We need more activities such as this in Guyana to make sure that the youngsters are gainfully engaged and we thank you for being a part of the football family.”
Winner of the tournament will pocket $500,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the runners-up will receive $200,000 and the respective accolade.
Meanwhile, the third and fourth place finisher will pocket $100,000 and the $50,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. On the individual side, $50,000 will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
It was further revealed that each night, two lucky patrons will have a chance to win one pennyweight of gold each, as well as other prizes during the duration of the event.
