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Basketball stakeholders launch ‘Road to Mecca’
– GABF to host nation’s biggest tournament
By Edison Jefford
The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) impressively launched yesterday what will be Guyana’s biggest basketball tournament to-date, ‘The Road to Mecca’, at The Duke Lodge as basketball stakeholders were introduced to the mega event.
Stakeholders, including officials and players from Guyana’s three main sub-associations, namely Georgetown, Linden and Berbice, were taken through a power-point presentation that also served as the launch,
GABF President, Nigel Hinds (centre) with Vice-President, Michael Singh (left) and Technical Director, Cecil Chin, addresses basketball stakeholders yesterday at The Duke Lodge to launch officially ‘The Road to Mecca’ National Basketball Championships.
on the format and goals of the national tournament.
“We are very appreciative of the turnout here. This is a building phase for the federation and we are thankful for your support,” GABF President, Nigel Hinds told the gathering. He said that the tournament was the brainchild of GABF VP, Michael Singh.
“We are assured of sponsorship,” Hinds said, urging clubs and players to bring out their families and friends so that they can rebuild the fan-base of the sport. He said if that is done there will be no reason why the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall cannot be refilled.
The presentation and launch yesterday began with a minute of silence for the late Trevor Rose. “Trevor believed that he could have accomplished anything, and that is something we can all embrace,” Hinds noted, urging officials from the Georgetown, Linden and Berbice Basketball Associations to support what is being touted as a gala contest.
According to Hinds, they will be targeting an extensive marketing plan to rebuild the hype and support for the game. The tournament will feature the top five seeded clubs from the three sub-associations and a wildcard club in a round of sixteen knockout contest. The winning clubs will advance to the next round. March 1 is set as the official jump-ball.
At stake at the end of the road, is a top prize of $800,000 for the winning club, while second place take home $200,000 along with trophies. Singh told the gathering that initially they did not think about a third place prize, but may have to consider its inclusion.
“I have a very good first division team and I look forward to putting my clubs in Georgetown up against the best from around the country. This is all to lay the foundation for superior basketball nationally,” Singh said, adding that the event should be competitive.
The GABF discussed at length the need for clubs to be on time and to adhere to the rules of the game. President of the Guyana Basketball Officials Council, Lugard Mohan was present and said that his council will leave no stones unturned with enforcing the rules.
The representative clubs from Georgetown in order of seeding include: Trinity Grid Holdings Pacesetters, Colts, Pepsi Sonics, Ravens and Nets. Meanwhile, Kings, Jets, Royals, Raiders and Bulls will represent Linden. Canje Knights, Smyth Field Rockers, New Amsterdam Warriors, Fyrish Sharks and Rose Hall Town will represent Berbice. The 16th spot will be up for grabs in a Wild Card Playoff among the three sub-associations.
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