Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jun 11, 2013 Sports
-standard expected to be much higher
By Rawle Welch
It was a ceremony that fittingly represented the high standard associated with Digicel when the 3rd Annual Nationwide Schools Football Tournament was launched yesterday in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.
In attendance at the Launch were the Company’s CEO Gregory Dean, Head of Marketing Jacqueline James, Marketing & Sales Executive of Banks DIH Carlton Joao, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam, Director of Sport Neil Kumar, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Christopher Matthias, Head of the Allied Arts Department of the Ministry of Education Desiree Wyles-Ogle, Administrative Officer of the National Sports Commission Gervy C Harry, teachers, coaches and players.
Joao, who made the opening remarks, spoke of his Company’s involvement
and how important it is for them to support such a venture.
He said the Company was extremely delighted to be asked to play such an important role in this year’s tournament, especially through its provision of the Powerade drink which is meant to rehydrate the players.
Matthias in a more philosophical presentation spoke of Corporate Governance which he referred to as the accumulation of rules, policies, procedures and laws that affects the way a company operates, makes decisions and develops relationships with shareholders and the public at large, while reminding that it is virtually impossible to speak of such governance and not at the same time tie it to corporate citizenship.
According to Matthias, the corporate community is to some extent, socially responsible for meeting legal, ethical, economic and cultural responsibilities of the society.
He recognised the professional and smooth manner in which the programme is administered which according to him clearly establishes its platform to be one that is soundly structured and its policies and systems evidently intended to positively affect the lives of persons far and wide.
Matthias said Digicel’s partnership with the Government and people of Guyana for the successful hosting of the programme not only targets the youths of the society, but moreover, the future leaders and developers of the nation, submitting that that is what constitutes good corporate citzenship.
He thanked the Management and Staff of Digicel for leading in such an initiative and promised the full support of the GFF.
James gave a synopsis of the participation of schools at the two previously held tournaments, informing that in the inaugural tournament some 128 schools participated, while last year saw that rise to 152.
According to her, even though the tournament has seen an expression of 130 schools to date of which 20 are new entrants, they are hoping to have at least 160 schools confirmed by the time June 21 comes around for the commencement of competition.
James, also spoke of some of the things that Digicel has done different this year in order to enhance the standard of the tournament all-round, including conducting training workshops for teachers so that they could return and impart their knowledge to the students, referees and officials workshops as well as the retention of past and present national players to enhance the skills of the players.
“So you can see we’ve laid the foundation for not only those players who will be playing this year, but those who will be playing next year as well. The Tournament is not only about playing the game, but is also aimed at developing well rounded youths within our society,” James was quoted as saying.
Kumar gave a brief background on the genesis of schools football which he said dates back to the days of former NSC Chairman Ken DeAbreu.
He said it was from those tournaments that Guyana was able to select its Inter-Guianas Games squad from, adding that tournaments such as the one Digicel is hosting is ample evidence that the right atmosphere is being created for sports in schools.
Kumar welcomed the new GFF President and expressed confidence that the new administration will ensure that the sport enjoys more accountability and transparency that will ultimately provide an environment for holistic development.
Sam in his presentation said Digicel has made its mark and should be applauded and recognised for the role it has played in helping to mould our children.
“Football in particular has a role to play in our national development, but we must ask ourselves seriously what we want for our young people,” Sam remarked.
He said the aim must be to have well rounded individuals who must become model citizens, which is just as important as possessing skills.
According to the CEO, they must be able to go well beyond what takes place on the field, their behaviour at school and grade point averages must tie in with being able to play the sport at the highest level.
Sam in reflecting on last year’s tournament said he was impressed with the standard of play exhibited and is eagerly looking forward to a very exciting competition this time around.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
Mar 28, 2024
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