Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Banks DIH/Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Guinness football competition
Excitement high as ‘Greatest of de Street’ football
gets underway
Dr Frank Anthony (2nd right) prepares to kick off the ball to start the tournament with PS Steve Ninvalle (partly hidden) and national player Shawn Bishop (left) among players and spectators looking on.
By Michael Benjamin
Holmes Street, Tiger Bay was transformed into a hive of colourful activity when he inaugural ‘Guinness Greatest of De Street,’ 4 a-side, football tournament got off to a bright start on Tuesday evening last.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Dr Frank Anthony delivered opening remarks and his calls for the footballers to play within the confines of the rules were echoed by Marketing Manager of Banks DIH Ltd, Mr Carlton Joao and President of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), Troy Mendonca.
Dr Anthony told the spectators present that that the aim of the exercise is to reach out to communities through sports.
The Minister also revealed that plans are in train to secure the involvement of other teams and clubs right across Guyana.
He urged the enthusiastic supporters present to support the venture. “I am looking forward to a competitive tournament!” Anthony pronounced minutes before declaring the tournament open.
Earlier in the night Mr Joao urged the players to play hard but to do so within the confines of the rules of the game. He pointed out that Banks DIH has always been a good corporate citizen, not only to those sportspersons among the elite class but also the grass-root clan.
He reminded the gathering that Banks DIH had recently sponsored the Smirnoff Vodka Golf Tournament, a sport that attracts a higher class of athletes. “And now we are reaching out to football activities, considered a grass-root sport,” Joao concluded.
Shortly after Minister Anthony kicked the ball to signal the official opening of the tournament, spectators were treated to two exciting exhibition matches that gave them a hint of the excitement to be expected at the tournament.
In an encounter worthy of mention, Leopold Street wasted no time and in just 2 seconds registered the first of 2 goals against Tiger Bay compliments of a Damion Elliot strike. Shortly afterwards Tiger Bay retaliated when Shawn Bishop blasted in the first of 5 goals.
Leopold Street did attempt to regain the advantage but could only muster one other goal through the efforts of Roger Bourne. Bishop returned later in the night to win the doving competition.
Contestants were only allowed to use their heads in this competition. Bishop prevailed over a competitive field with 25 reps. For his effort he received 16 cold bottles of Guinness complements of banks DIH.
The tournament will get underway proper at the Burnham Court on Friday 21 at 18:00hrs with 8 matches. The first match gets underway at 18:00hrs when Kingston oppose Leopold Street to be followed by Aubrey Barker Road against Campbellville at 18:30hrs.
Fifth Street, Alberttown will play Sophia at 19:00hrs while Stevedore Housing Scheme will come up against West Ruimveldt Front Road at 19:30hrs.
The players will enjoy a half hour break and upon resumption at 20:00hrs Hope Street, Tiger Bay will play Charles Street, Charlestown, Alexander Street and Festival City will engage each other from 20:30hrs, while Alexander Village will take on Durban Street, Lodge from 21;00hrs.
In the final game on the first day, North East LaPenitence and Back Circle (B) of East Ruimveldt will oppose each other.
Over 32 teams will contest for the first prize of $200,000 while the second place will receive $100,000. The teams coming in third and fourth will receive $50,000 and $25,000, respectively.
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