GASA host 2008 awards ceremony

Mar 29, 2009 Sports

Age group champions honoured

Champions All!!! GASA age group champions for 2008 display their silverware in the presence of Digicel Marketing Director Donovan White (far right) and GASA Secretary and President Dr. Karen Pilgrim (far left) and Philip Walcott (2nd left).

By Franklin Wilson
The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association hosted their annual awards ceremony on Friday evening at the Umana Yana where they honoured their age group champions of 2008.
The association also took the opportunity to recognise and publicly thank twenty sponsors for their contributions towards the success of the sport during the year.
Delivering the feature address at the function was Mr. Donovan White, Marketing Director, Digicel Guyana.
White in his remarks said he welcomed the opportunity to speak to such a hardworking group of young athletes and was looking forward to the emergence of Guyana’s own Michael Phelps.
White’ focus for the night was centered on educating the audience on a modern day approach to companies when pursuing sponsorship.
“In an era where marketing and brand awareness are executed like a military operation to achieve huge sales targets, large corporate entities anticipate “every bang for their buck.” Hence, institutions such as GASA, which depend on large corporate sponsorships, require a new approach when pursuing funding from large companies.”
“As an organization seeking sponsorship you MUST improve your game plan to suit today’s modern marketing approach. Corporate entities and brand managers are encouraged to embark on sponsorships which offer fruitful returns for both parties.”
The experienced Marketing Executive went on to outline a number of areas that should be included in a game plan as well as benefits to the sponsor.
“Corporate sponsorships are no longer about simply funding a community project to fulfill a social mandate – it’s about embarking on a partnership that offers mutual benefits for both parties. This is critical for institutions such as GASA. As you embark on your next sponsorship request – plan and brain storm about the ways in which you can assist your potential sponsor in achieving that all important sales target.”
GASA President Phillip Walcott in his opening remarks pointed out that the year was a challenging one for them but it turned out to be a satisfactory one. The association was voted the Most Improved Association by the National Sports Commission for the second time in a three year span.
He said the association is not satisfied with being the most improved but will be aiming to be the best in Guyana.
Walcott took the opportunity to congratulate the age group champions and also the parents, supporters and officials for their sterling contributions throughout the year.
Accalia Khan was the top 8 and under girl with Stephen King topping among the boys.
The best 9-10 girl was Baele Hasbrouck, Shane Baksh, the number one boy.
Athena Gaskin took the best girl award for the 11-12 age group with Serrano Gonsalves the leading boy.
Ruling the roost among the 13-14 girls was Noelle Smith. Linden Wickham who has now migrated took the award for boys.
Voted as the best 15-17 female and male, were Ashley Layne and Niall Roberts while Jamaal Sobers copped the top prize for boys in the 18 and over division.

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