Currently enjoying unprecedented success after winning both Caribbean titles at last year’s NAWIRA Sevens World Cup qualifiers, the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will bid to host the 2009 Caribbean Sevens Championships right here in Guyana.
The Union which has undoubtedly been churning out outstanding performances over the past three years, was last Friday named Sports Association of the Year by the National Sports Commission Awards selection panel which was convened to choose the outstanding individuals and entities in the arena of sports.
President of the West Indies Rugby Union Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento made this disclosure at the GRFU’s Appreciation Ceremony which was held recently.
Dr. Frank Anthony
According to Nascimento, he along with GRFU President Noel Adonis was scheduled to meet with the Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony to inform him about the Guyana’s intention to host the event in November at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
Many rugby players and followers feel that should Guyana win the bid to host the tournament it could provide the fillip that the sport needs to march into the mainstream.
Rugby which is the third largest viewed sport in the world with the Olympics and World Cup football just ahead of it could provide the economic and tourism stimulus that this country badly needs.
Following hot on the heels of our hosting of the football World Cup qualifier against Suriname and the anticipated hosting of matches during the English tour, winning the bid to host the Caribbean Sevens Championships could also see another massive crowd converge at the National Stadium to witness another big sporting spectacle in Guyana.
Let us hope that our bid is successful and we get the opportunity to see our stars in action at home.