We are satisfied that the investment is worth it- Dean

Jul 03, 2011 Sports

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By Rawle Welch
Undeniably, one of the biggest school tournaments to have ever been organised in the history of this country, Digicel (Guyana) maintained its reputation as one of the leading corporate entities to support the development of a better society.
The Company through the sponsorship of the nationwide schools football tournament is not only helping in the further development of the sport here, but also through the interaction of members of the various communities is helping participants during the course of competition better understand each other’s culture, habitat and general pattern of life.
On Friday, Kaieteur Sport sat down to talk with Digicel’s CEO Gregory Dean about what created the motivation within the Company to engage in such a huge undertaking which will see them expend millions of dollars to run off a successful tournament where almost every community across the ten regions are involved.
Referring to the tournament as a Pilot Project, Dean disclosed that the idea had its genesis some two years ago when Marketing Executive Jacqueline James threw out a challenge for them to get involved in the development of the sport from the school level.
“Since our arrival in Guyana football has always benefitted from our support, especially in the early days through our assistance to the Guyana Football Federation. We were always looking for ways to add value to our generosity which could then make a difference in the game,” Dean said.
He pointed out that after careful study of the magnitude of such an undertaking where the aim was always to have as much schools as possible from every region participate they decided that they were not ready at that time so the plan was temporarily shelved.
He said, however, with Digicel’s involvement last year in the FIFA World Cup where they gave away to subscribers free tickets and a chance to see the event, they decided to revisit the notion, in addition to recognising the need for children to get more involved in extra-curricular activities and become more rounded individuals.
Dean indicated that presently a child’s school life is centered mainly on extra lessons which have taken over the time usually reserved for sporting activities.
“We met earlier this year and set up an internal committee, before deciding to get others on board to assist with the planning and the rest is history,” Dean disclosed.
Dean was resolute in stating that they are satisfied that the investment is worth it, adding that everyone involved has been supportive and overtime the Company and by extension Guyana will see its true benefits.
According to the CEO, schools football is presently their focus, but they have no qualms in getting involved in other aspects of development related to the game in the future.
He called on all stakeholders to come together for the good of the game, indicating that they do not see their involvement as competing against anyone, but rather complementary.
“I think it is for all of us to work together in partnership, everyone has to play their role at whatever level in order to get the best that could guarantee the lifting of the standard of the game here,” Dean mentioned.
He spoke of the great opportunity that the talent scouts have to identify raw talent that could be spotted and developed after the tournament concludes.
Dean said that because of the amount of travelling that has to be done and the cost of doing so, it is difficult for them to do scouting, but is something that they might be willing to do in the future.
Touching on the standard displayed during the competition, Dean revealed that from all the reports he has received, the standard has been very good and encouraging which according to him augurs well for the rest of the tournament.
He reiterated the Company’s appreciation for the assistance given by the Planning and Execution Committee, the Ministries of Education and Sport, but more critically the support offered by teachers, parents, community members and the Guyana Football Referees Council.
Special mention was made of the referees who Dean thanked for ensuring that the games were played under the rules that govern football and the prescribed conditions.
Dean urged all Guyana to come out and watch the games whether it is your old school or you are a parent or just a lover of the sport.
He committed Digicel’s long term commitment to the venture, adding that they’ve so far found no reason to discontinue sponsorship.
“The response has been wonderful and the enthusiasm great.”
Dean extended best wishes to all the teams that remain in the tournament, calling on them to maintain and even exceed the high standard showcased so far.
Some 122 schools started the competition which is nearing completion of the preliminary phase and heading into the playoffs.
Schools from as far as Lethem, Paramakatoi, Mahdia, Kwakwani, Mabaruma, Waramadong, Bartica and many of the riverain communities participated in the tournament where in some cases many were doing so for the first time.

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