Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) under its Pepsi Brand, has once again thrown its financial support behind the Petra Organization coordinated ExxonMobil Boys and Girls U14 Football Championship, which is penciled to start on May 13th.
This commitment was confirmed yesterday during a simple but significant presentation ceremony held at the company’s Diamond, East Bank Demerara headquarters. The company has been a supporter since the inception of the competition.
Larry Wills, Pepsi Brand Manager, affirmed the company’s commitment to the programme, noting “The company is always willing to give back to grassroots programmes and it’s a pleasure to support the kids during these competitions.”
He further said that the company is pleased with the work of the Petra Organization, which provides value via the opportunities that are created for the children, adding that the two entities will continue the partnership for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organization, said that the company has always been supportive of the projects initiated by the organization, adding that these programmes provide a foundation to move the sport forward while creating an avenue for sporting activities and competition amongst the schools.
According to Mendonca, the expansion of the tournament which can be witnessed with the participation of teams from Region #1, #2, #5, #6, #7, and #10, can only be realized with the support of corporate entities such as DDL, noting that the entity is grateful for the continued support of the company.
He further stated that finalization of the competing teams in both divisions will be confirmed shortly. At the moment, more than 42 teams have signaled their intention to participate in the prestigious championship.
The event which features 32 Boys teams and 16 Girls schools competing in an initial group stage format, will be staged from May 13th – June 17th at the Ministry of Education and National Insurance Scheme grounds, Carifesta Avenue.
Participation will emanate from Regions #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #10.
The Boy’s teams are West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, North Ruimveldt, Institute of Academic Excellence, Charlestown, Dolphin, New Central, St Cuthbert’s, Friendship, Vergenoegen, Leonora, Freeburg, Brickdam, the Bishops’ High, Chase Academy, New Campbellville, Fort Wellington, Carmel, Tutorial, St Winifred, Marian Academy, Vreed-en-Hoop, Manchester, Waramuri, Patentia, President College, Cummings Lodge, Annandale, Bush Lot, Hope, Ann’s Grove, Dora, Bartica, Mackenzie High, Wismar/Christianburg, New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Canje, Woodley Park, and Charity.
On the other hand, the Girl’s teams are West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Institute of Academic Excellence, Charlestown, New Central, Vergenoegen, New Campbellville, Carmel, Marian Academy, Waramuri, Patentia, President’s College, Cummings Lodge, Ann’s Grove, Dora, Mackenzie High, and Woodley Park.
Winner of either division will receive $300,000 towards a school project and the championship trophy, while the second, third, and fourth place finishers will pocket $150,000, $75,000, and $50,000 respectively towards a school initiative.
On the individual side, prizes will also be awarded to the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, and Most Valuable Player. Uniforms will be provided to the quarter-finalists in each section.
