Regatta Football 2K11 officially unveiled last evening

Apr 13, 2011 Sports

Four teams to collide for top prize

By Franklin Wilson in Bartica
The 2011 Bartica Regatta Football tournament kicked off last evening at the Bartica Community Centre Ground after being officially opened by Regional Chairman Holbert Knights.

Members of the four competing teams pose with Regional Chairman Holbert Knights, PNC Member of Parliament Judith David-Blair, BFA President Carlos Prowell and Secretary Carlton Beckles after the official opening last evening.

The opening, which was also attended by PNC Member of Parliament Judith David-Blair, Bartica Football Association President Carlos Prowell and Secretary Carlton Beckles, also saw four of the six teams attending and participating in the march-past.
The teams attending were Riversview, Big Ballers United, Hopkinson Mining, Wolves United and Rising Stars FC.
Lazio and Beacons which failed to show up have been fined $20,000 and were axed from the tournament based on the competition rules according to Secretary of the BFA, Carlton Beckles.
Regional Chairman Holbert Knights in feature remarks encouraged the teams and players to maintain a high level of discipline and dedication whilst playing and even off the field of play.
“I would like to thank you for participating in this year’s Regatta tournament and in particular I would like to thank the BFA for acceding to our request to bring this tournament forward by one week. I do know that you will have a wonderful time and I wish you all the best.”
Knights, who also heads the Regatta Organising Committee, assured all that the usual support from this committee will be laid on to help make the tournament a success.
PNC Member of Parliament and former member of Wolves United, Judith David-Blair, reminded the players and other officials that discipline plays the number one role if they desire a career of success in the sport.
David-Blair challenged all to make a consorted effort to return to the days when Bartica produced some excellent players who made it to the highest level and represented Guyana.
“I think that we can do it again, but I want to remind you players that we have to focus on what we are doing. To be a sportsman or woman we have to be well rounded, we have to be equipped to a standard of education that can take us through to make proper representation for not only our community but our country also. I am confident that we have young people here who can represent this community and Guyana proudly.”
The players were encouraged to ask God to guide and protect them in everything they do.
David-Blair also cautioned the players to stay away from a life of drugs and alcohol, ills of society that are prevalent in Bartica.
“If you want to be a successful footballer it means you have to stay away from drugs and alcohol. It may seem that we are taking away your recreation but there is a time for that. If you want to be a part of Kashif & Shanghai this coming year, I think you have to say no to drugs and alcohol and no to the things that do not contribute to being a successful sportsman and woman.”
Bartica Football Association Carlos Prowell focused his remarks on self development noting that for the teams, clubs, association and country to move forward, self development is paramount.
“We must strive to be rounded individuals and education is the key to this. Having the right attitude is also vital to our success – your attitude determines your altitude – you must strive to be the best.”
Prowell urged the players to play the game in a high spirit of fair play and respect for each other.
Opening play last evening saw Riversview opposing Big Ballers United while Hopkinson Mining Wolves United matched skills with Rising Stars FC. More play is scheduled for today at the same venue.
The Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GT&T) under their Cellink Brand is the main sponsor with other corporate support coming from Pure Diamonds, Bobby Rasul and Royo’s Mining.