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GT&T constructs B’ball Court in South Sophia
Committed to empowerment of youth & communities
By Franklin Wilson
It is oft times repeated by Businessmen and Politicians that ‘Sports’ is very important let alone vital to the development of communities, societies and countries but truthfully, more often than not little is done to back up those words.
GT&T’s Wystan Robertson (left) applauds as the sign at the court was unveiled.
Just last week though, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company has once again proven that they will back up talk with tangibles when they handed over a Basketball Court to the Pattensen Community Development Council (PCDC) constructed at the Pattensen Multi Purpose Community Centre, Pattensen South, Section B, Sophia.
Handing over the facility on behalf of GT&T was Marketing Executive Wystan Robertson to Chairman of the PCDC Colin Marks. Both individuals stated how proud they were with such an achievement which will undoubtedly benefit the youths of the community.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma speaking at the 4th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting in Beijing, China, on August 9, 2008 stated that the Commonwealth should nurture the potential of young people through sport and youth activities.
“Sport and youth work should be more closely linked because of the enormous influence sport has on positive and cohesive transformation of societies, particularly on the self-esteem and self-confidence of young people. ”Sport has been and always will be an expression of important truths about individuals, communities and nations. Sport and youth development are linked to social transformation.”
GT&T is well aware of these realities and has been striving to empower the youth of Guyana. This latest achievement underscores their commitment in this regard.
Robertson in remarks to the gathering at the hand over ceremony, informed that the facility became reality within one year and it was a staff member of GT&T who lives in the area that approached the company to do something for the young people of the area.
“We at GT&T are always excited when these sorts of ideas are thrown our way, so we immediately began negotiations with the PCDC to get the project underway. We are about making meaningful contributions to our people especially our young people.”
Robertson challenged those in charge to care the facility while expressing confidence that a positive change will be experienced in the community as the youths and not so young will have the opportunity to be engaged in good clean activities to help them live healthy and responsible lives.
“Let this Basketball be used to unit and empower the residents and youths of this community and its environs.”
PCDC Chairman, Colin Marks in expressing gratitude to GT&T for such a great addition to the community said the court will not only be used for Basketball but other activities to help develop the youth of the community.
“Among some of the other activities we are planning are aerobic classes fro residents.”
Marks promised that the PCDC will work on encouraging females to become more active in the sport.
Secretary of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association Robert Cadogan in brief remarks also offered congratulations to GT&T and the PCDC for a commendable initiative.
“I would like to go a step further by challenging you (PCDC) to get a team involved in our Third Division competition. This will be a very positive thing for the young people in Sophia. We are always available to lend assistance especially in the area of Technical Development.”
Cadogan also threw out a challenge to corporate Guyana to follow GT&T’s lead in constructing Sports facilities around Guyana.
Meanwhile, in an exhibition game to open the Basketball Court, the lightening speed of GT&T’s Emagine Basketball team was overwhelming for the Sophia team to handle as they were whipped 40 points to 30.
GT&T erased a one point deficit at the half (23-22) to bounce past the opposition comfortably in the end.
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