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Rugby Union briefs Corporate Community, Media
Sponsors Representatives Trevor Bassoo (left) and Terry Holder (second right) seen with GRFU officials last Thursday.
By Rawle Welch
Known for prudent handling of its financial affairs, the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) updated members of the corporate community and the media about the status quo of both the teams’ preparations and where it is at in relation to the targeted sum needed to participate in the upcoming North American and Caribbean Rugby Association Sevens Series scheduled to be staged in Mexico.
The occasion held at Duke Lodge in Kingston, saw in attendance Marketing & Public Relations Consultant to the Union Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento, President of the GRFU Noel Adonis, Vice-President Colonel John Lewis, GT&T’s Deputy General Manager Public Communication Terry Holder and Queens Atlantic Group Representative Trevor Bassoo along with other members of the Union.
Nascimento, who has been chiefly responsible for engaging the corporate community to solicit its support for the two teams, in delivering his address first welcomed the presence of Holder and Bassoo, before disclosing that the challenge to get the teams to Mexico has been a huge challenge, adding that a total in the vicinity of US$35,000 is required and the Union is still a little way off of getting the projected sum.
He said that airfare alone cost US$25,972, while accommodation, meals, visas and other related expense make up the rest of the target.
In addition to the approach made to the corporate community, Nascimento revealed that a similar advance has been made to the Government of Guyana and they are awaiting a response.
Those in addition to the Union’s own fund raising efforts and assistance from the IRB have all contributed to the realisation of the funding.
Among the other companies that have pledged their assistance include Edward Beharry & Company, BEV Enterprise, Demerara Bank, Mings Products & Services, Trans Guyana Airways, Scotia Bank, DeSinco Trading, National Hardware, Swansea, C&V Shipping, German’s Restaurant, Gems Theatre and US Global Express (DHL).
Nascimento said that a direct appeal has been made to President Bharrat Jagdeo and they are looking forward to a positive response.
“The two teams are the defending Caribbean champions and the Men have won the title three consecutive times so they deserve the opportunity to return to defend their titles,” he stated.
He reminded also that the Unions and the Men’s team are the current Sports Association and Sports Team of the Year.
Their attendance at the tournament could be crucial for the spread of the game here Nascimento felt, adding that whosoever wins the regional segment automatically qualifies to represent the Caribbean at the World Sevens Series in Las Vegas, USA next year.
Holder speaking on behalf of GT&T said that the telecommunication company was pleased to be associated with the Union, reminding that on previous occasions, the company had pointed out to those seeking their sponsorship dollars the guidelines they need to follow to benefit from them.
“As we’ve said on previous occasions that we’ve made presentations, for associations to benefit from us they need to follow the guidelines that we’ve set which include setting up a nursery level, having the sport played in schools and ensuring that women are involved in the sport,” Holder reminded.
He added that to the best of his knowledge, the GRFU has fulfilled those requirements, admitting that accountability and positive results seems to be their hallmark.
“They are not going to tournaments as mere participants, but have gained good results.”
Bassoo echoed the same sentiments expressed by Holder, adding that with those habits, the corporate community will always feel compelled to support them.
He too said that they were pleased to be associated with the Union and called on the players to make Guyana proud once again.
Adonis on behalf of the Union thanked the donors for their support, while updating them on the team’s preparations.
Currently Technical Director Joe Whipple is in town whipping the teams into shape and by month’s end, the final selection will be made.
Overseas-based Kevin McKenzie and Richard Staglon are expected shortly, while Rupert Giles will go straight to Mexico.
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