Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ starts Saturday

Nov 08, 2012 Sports

– Bartica, Berbice will have their segments as well

Sales and Marketing Executive of Banks DIH Carlton Joao called it a resounding success and even ventured to refer to it as a phenomenon and despite the promotion of the event which starts this Saturday being a bit behind time, the popularity of the format has been embraced by all and sundry and its success is virtually sealed.
The 5-a-side ‘Guinness Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Tournament has come again and 32 teams have been identified to contest the competition which has prize monies totaling in excess of $2million with the winner set to receive $600,000, runners-up- $300,000, 3rd place-$150,000 and 4th place-$75,000, while group stage winners will divide $720,000.
During yesterday’s launching of the tournament which was conducted in the Boardroom of the sponsor, those in attendance apart from Joao included Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart, Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste, PRO Troy Peters and Brand Manager Errol Nelson.
Joao speaking at the Launch said it is a wonderful privilege to once again be part of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Tournament which has brought immeasurable success to the Company and the brand.
He pointed out that the support of the communities has been phenomenal and extended commendation to them for their patronage throughout the four years of the tournament’s existence.
Joao disclosed that because of their support, they will have an opportunity to be rewarded through novelties that the Company will initiate during the tournament, giving as an example a shootout where the winner will take away a special prize.
Additionally, Joao revealed that the tournament unlike previous years where it was contained to just Georgetown and Linden, they have now included Bartica and Berbice, adding that those communities have long expressed a desire to host and integrating them to the list of communities where the tournament will be staged is long overdue.
He further stated that Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony has been invited to do the symbolic kick-off and he is expected to be present at the venue in Albouystown to do so since he has been a consistent supporter of the event.
Joao singled out Directors of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole, who both were unavoidably absent as playing integral roles in the tournament’s genesis.
Quizzed on whether there will be beefed up security at the various venues, Joao promised a strong presence of such personnel, while making a plea to members of the communities to ensure that no unhelpful state of affairs occur that would jeopardize the safety and security of fans.
Games will be played at the National Park, East Ruimveldt, Albouystown, National Cultural Centre Tarmac, Burnham Court, Sophia Exhibition Centre and Banks DIH Tarmac with the finals set for January 8.
The Linden segment will follow shortly after the completion of the Georgetown Zone, while the Bartica and Berbice Zones will be played early next year, before the winners of those zones engage each other in a playoff to determine the national champions and the right to represent Guyana at the Caribbean championship.
Back Circle that finished runners-up in the Caribbean tournament is the defending champions.