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Fourth Annual Digicel Schools Football Tournament launched in Linden
– $1M to winner, smartphones for quarterfinalists
The auditorium of two-peat champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School was abuzz with delight when Marketing Director of Digicel Jacqueline James announced some of the incentives that will be given away this year at the 4th Annual Nationwide Schools Football Tournament which was launched yesterday in the Mining Town of Linden.
Head Master of defending champion Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School Cleveland Thomas (with trophy) poses with Digicel CEO Gregory Dean (on his immediate right), Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon (3rd right sitting), Marketing Director of Digicel Jacqueline James (2nd left standing), Tournament Co-ordinator Lavern Fraser (far right standing) and the winning team yesterday.
James told the audience which included Digicel CEO Gregory Dean, tournament co-ordinator Lavern Fraser, Events and Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope, Communications Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara, Head Master of the CWSS Cleveland Thomas, Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon, IMC Chairman Orin Gordon, Head Coach Anthony Stephens, players, students and the media the winning team will cart off $1million, runner-up- $600,000, 3rd place-$400,000 and 4th place-$250,000 which will go towards projects that will benefit the school, while regional winners will receive $100,000 and schools making it to the national quarter-finals will see teachers, coaches and students receive smartphones.
James then gave an outline of this year’s tournament, disclosing that twelve (12) new schools have entered the competition, while also pointing out that additional venues will be used this time as well.
“It’s appropriate that you being the double defending champions, that we launch this tournament here, so I must say thanks to all the students and teachers along with well-wishers for coming out here this afternoon and be a part of this event. Of course as you know, this tournament is being played under the theme, ‘Unite, Develop, Excel’ in terms of Uniting communities, friends family and students who share a common passion, Developing our players in becoming stronger and focused individuals who creates bonds and friendship through the teams they would have formed and even those they would have played against,” James stated.
James said from all appearances this year’s competition promises stiff competition, especially with 12 new schools coming out of Region 1, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10 along with East Bank, East Coast and Georgetown, to compete, bringing the number to 124 schools to have confirmed their participation to date.
She also spoke of the four coaching sessions that were held around the country for teachers and coaches of the various schools, while we will be playing games in new areas such as Annai, Orealla, Waramadong and Moruca are also part of this year’s plans.
Thomas’ remarks was inspirationally charged as he urged his students to ensure that the beautiful trophy remain at the school forever.
He reminded them that the entire community is proud of their achievements and the focus this year is to go out on the field of play and win the trophy outright.
The seemingly energetic Thomas expressed tremendous confidence in his team and thanked Digicel for making the changes in the lives of youths in Guyana through the hosting of the tournament, while Solomon informed that 90% of his upward mobility was garnered from the playing of football.
In her opening remarks, Fraser-Thomas said Digicel, throughout the tournament will be providing opportunities for youths in Guyana to participate and do so competitively in football, while fostering camaraderie among the participants and strengthening friendships with teammates and opponents.
“Over the years, minus the initial one which was experimental, we have been able to grow, with that growth being shown this year by the hosting of workshops for teachers, referees and coaches who will be attached to the schools. This tournament has also been able to instill in the youths who are participating, the ability to know what is right from wrong and to that extent, we are all looking forward for keen competition,” she said.
According to her, the tournament is set to get underway on June 16 with matches being played across the length and breadth of Guyana with August 3 set for the final at a venue to be announced later.
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