Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
May 26, 2016 Sports
Region 8 under the guidance of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) launched its Jubilee Football tournament Monday in Mahdia. The competition which is being executed by the Pakaraimas Sports Association (PSA) is
being run in association with a number of partners and is the brainchild of the region’s REO, Rafel Downes. The simple ceremony was conducted in the boardroom of the RDC and was witnessed by Regional Executive Officer Rafel Downes, Deputy Regional Executive Officer Gavin Gounga, other senior officials of the region, representatives of the teams, sporting officials and coordinator of the competition, Harold Waqar Shiwnarain among others.
The REO said that while football remains a passion among the youths of the region, over the years they have faced challenges in having competitions. This, he noted is a result of the fact that traversing most parts of the region requires air transport and this has been very difficult for teams and sponsors. He stressed that the region certainly needs support and assistance in taking sports to another level as while the youths are motivated to get involved, they are unable to bear the financial burdens.
Waqar disclosed that the competition will be played under floodlights tomorrow, May 26th and among some of the officials expected to witness the eagerly contested competition is Minister of Communities, Hon Ronald Bulkan who will be the feature speaker at the flag raising ceremony the night before. Prior to the football finals the finals for the domino and cricket competitions will also be played. He disclosed that the football competition is open for teams around Mahdia, adding that a similar competition will be held for teams in the Kato community.
Waqar added that with significant support and assistance from the REO they have been having in-depth discussions with the various clubs in Region 8. This he said is geared towards a view of forming a sub association, as they seek membership within the GFF. He pointed out that this will help in providing a level playing field for talented and skillful players within the Region, in making their way onto the national team. He added that a similar approach is being taken in Region 9, thus the Hinterland Games will see the realization of the Hinterland Sub Association. “We think it’s time that players from the hinterland community get an equal opportunity to play for Guyana as the hinterland regions all forms part of Guyana,” he said. “I must say that many of the teams are very excited and upbeat with the significant interest being shown in developing sports within the region by our REO, Rafel Downes and with the aggressive approach he has been making in terms of securing sporting assistance by way of equipment and other resources is indicative of his passion and determination. We are confident that with his vision and passion that becoming a member of the GFF will soon be a reality under his guidance,” Waqar stressed.
The REO said that he is satisfied with the progress being made thus far in making sports an integral part of the various communities within the region. He said that with the various relationships that he is seeking to forge ahead with Region 9 and other hinterland communities he is of the view that sport development will be boosted, adding that players will be able to interact and view the talent of other players and communities.
Downes reminded those in attendance that he is steadfastly committed in his passion for sports for the region, stressing that sports can help with holistic growth and development. He disclosed that while there remains some evident challenges in a number of areas within the region, taking sports to another level will certainly help in boosting the region and its people.
The REO issued a passionate appeal to the corporate community to assist in whatever way that they can in bringing about sporting development. “Sports needs more than that passion, determination, discipline and enthusiasm, it needs resources both financial and technical to grow and this is where the corporate community can help. Many of these players have raw talent but because of the lack of resources in terms of finances and equipment they are forced to abandon their passion for economic survival,” he said.
Downes stressed the urgent need for youths to use sports as an avenue for both personal and community development, declaring that its time the youths recognize that everything cannot be done by government, thus they would need to bring out the spirit of determination and perseverance if success is to be a formula in their daily living.
In praising the efforts of Waqar in organizing the events the REO said, “I must applaud Waqar who was identified through my DREO to address Sports in the region and its evident that he has been playing a crucial role in ensuring that we get moving. Everyone must come on board irrespective of one’s political persuasions as sports is bigger than anyone, political party or organization as with sports relationships are forged, communities are brought together, relationships are grounded and that is what we need for this region and hopefully through events like these as the benefits to the region and to its people are enormous. We at the RDC are very happy to be playing an integral part and is pleased to use sports as an avenue for the youths to be positively engaged,” he reiterated.
Meanwhile, DREO Gavin Gounga noted that the benefits of success is enormous and has the capacity of taking the region to another level. “People love to be associated with success and once we as a region can demonstrate that we are not just a pack of individuals talking but demonstrating our worth through our performances then our argument for certain things will be justified. I want to be the DREO who can say with my REO that our region was at this level last year but this year we are here and hopefully next year we will be there, in my mind that is what you call growth,” he declared.
The teams contesting the competitions for both male and female teams are Pakaraimas FC, Campbelltown FC, Micobi United and Mahdia United.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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