Rugby Inspection team gives approval

Nov 01, 2009 Sports

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– Sport could receive the fillip it needs

By Rawle Welch
“Every question I asked was answered with a yes immediately,” Regional General Manager of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Tom Jones told members of the media fraternity at a Press Conference which was held at the National Stadium yesterday.
Among those present at the signing were Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Director of Sport Neil Kumar, President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Noel Adonis, Public Relations Consultant of the Union Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento,   Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CASCO) Representatives Keith Joseph and Professor Luis Padavoni, Guyana Olympic Association President K.A Juman Yassin, GOA Vice-President Charles Corbin and GRFU Vice-President Colonel John Lewis and GT&T’s Deputy General Manager Public Communication Terry Holder.
Jones, along with officials of CASCO were in the country to officially sign an Agreement authorising Guyana to host the XXI Central & American Games 2010 Rugby Sevens Tournament, at the National Stadium.
The IRB Regional GM speaking at the occasion said it was indeed a delight to be back in Guyana once again, while extending congratulations to local rugby officials and the Government of Guyana for doing a job well done to successfully secure the bid to host the event.
Jones made inspections to various sections of the Stadium as mandated by the IRB and word is that he was impressed with what he saw and has given the ‘thumbs up’ for Guyana to forge ahead with preparations to host the tournament next July 24-25.
He pointed out that rugby is on a role right now and expressed optimism that people will come out to view the games, while and praising the IOC for adopting rugby as part of the Olympics.
He also paid recognition to the GRFU, who according to him has done a marvellous job in establishing itself as the lead nation in the sport across the region.
Jones added that eight (8) teams will vie for top honours during the competition with five coming from the North American & Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA), two from Central & South America along with host Guyana.
“It will be a first class event and good value for money for anyone who would like to come and witness the event.”
Nascimento in his remarks said that the occasion would be a very big one for the Union that will mark the first time that a tournament of such magnitude will be staged here.
According to Nascimento, the event will be the first manifestation of rugby being part of the Olympic Movement.
Dr. Anthony speaking on behalf of the Ministry and Government said that they were pleased to be partners with the Union and the GOA, adding that during the preliminary discussion that was held with the two parties, they readily agreed that they would like to see a variety of sports being played at the Stadium.
“I’m assured by the technical team who after looking at the dimensions of the facility stated that they are confident that we could host Games of that magnitude,” Dr. Anthony expressed.
He said that from their end, the confidence of successfully staging such a tournament is extremely high given the amount of experience and expertise that they’ve garnered from hosting events of similar and an even bigger scale in the past.
“I’m very optimistic and the Organisers can be assured that they have the support of my Ministry and the Government by extension.”
“As you’ve heard Mr. Nascimento say, rugby is now part of the Olympic Movement so this tournament will be historic and that we are pleased with,” the Minister pointed out.
He added that hosting the tournament will also help to lift the popularity of the sport.
Yassin, whose organisation was instrumental in seizing the opportunity to bid to host the tournament, said that as soon as he saw the opening, he immediately contacted the Union and in quick time he got a positive response.
He spoke of how wonderful the Stadium is and complemented the staff of the facility headed by General manager Anthony Xavier for making the necessary preparations which was enough to satisfy the inspection team.
“What we have here is a five-star venue and compliments must be extended to President Bharrat Jagdeo and the Government for having the foresight to construct such a beautiful facility,” Yassin mentioned.
“Having rugby hosted here is not just merely a sporting event, but it will also help to develop sports tourism across our country.”
Joseph disclosed that they had approached all affiliates of CASCO to see who could best host the event and from those that submitted bids Guyana gained the nod.
“In January this year we took a consideration to approve rugby as part of our programme and that was in anticipation of the IOC adopting it on its programme as well,” he revealed.
He then thanked the Government for its support to the sport, adding that he was optimistic that at the conclusion of the tournament, the sport will definitely have a higher place on the sports agenda in Guyana.
Holder said that GT&T wishes to add its name to the list of contributors who’ve made a significant input towards the growth and development of the sport.
He added that he hoped that other commercial businesses could see the benefit of supporting the sport of rugby which has become more visible now.
The tournament will last for two days featuring the eight best teams in South America and the Caribbean.
That will be followed by the NACRA Championships where over fifteen teams are scheduled to participate.
It was also disclosed that the GOA will be putting together a Local Organising Committee which will be headed by Nascimento.
Adonis in his presentation said that to just say that he is pleased with yesterday’s occasion would be an understatement.
“Rugby continues to be a minority sport, we are still confined to a small space in the National Park, but that could all change next year when we move to the National Stadium which I consider a big leap,” he noted.
He thanked the Minister, the Director, GOA and the IRB for their support over the years and the assistance that was needed in helping to secure the bid.
Adonis urged all stakeholders to come together to make the tournament a resounding success.

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