The Marriott Hotel parking lot in Kingston, Georgetown was a veritable hive of excitement on Tuesday morning, and dreams were realised when ExxonMobil hosted its customary sponsorship-renewal event with the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Franchise.
For a 7th consecutive year, ExxonMobil remains the team’s title sponsor, in addition to the sponsor for the Women’s Franchise, who reached the Massy Women’s CPL final over the weekend.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors team taking a photo opportunity with ExxonMobil Country Manager Alistair Routledge
This time around, students from several primary and secondary schools, youth organizations, cricket clubs, and the winners of ExxonMobil’s recently concluded ‘Future Warriors’ tournament joined in the festivities, as they were presented the opportunity to meet and interact with members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team.
Delivering feature remarks at the event, ExxonMobil Guyana Country Manager Alistair Routledge spoke of the alignment in values between the Warriors and the oil giants.
GAW Captain Imran Tahir having a chat with ExxonMobil Country Manager Alistair Routledge
“We are so excited, ExxonMobil Guyana, to be this, the 7th consecutive year, as the sponsors of the Guyana Warriors cricket team. This is a partnership which has been forged on the spirit of partnership, one where we have very aligned values: our commitment to compete, our commitment to community, our commitment to team work, just as I know many of you have in sports and everything that you do,” he shared with the gathering.
The GAW players in an interactive panel discussion
Routledge added, “Because indeed the Amazon Warriors have become a talisman for Guyana’s rise. This is Guyana’s time. Guyana is now very clearly a leader in the region, in Caricom, but is also a rising leader in the world; and that is something to be celebrated.”
Warriors’ Public Relations Manager Romario Samaroo has hailed the partnership as instrumental. Samaroo highlighted, “Our partnership with ExxonMobil has been instrumental in our journey thus far, fuelling our aspirations and fostering the growth of cricket in our region. Their unwavering support reflects their commitment to sports, youth development, and teamwork.
The GAW team members accommodating students who wanted autographs and photos
“I want to invite everyone to be part of this thrilling journey. Together, let’s celebrate our Warriors on the field, and inspire our youths off of it. Let’s celebrate this season’s unforgettable run as we look forward to making history together.
“On behalf of the Chairman, Management and team, I would like to say, ‘Thank you, Exxon, for your enduring support’,” Samaroo went on to state.
The GAW players in an interactive panel discussion
Tuesday morning’s event also consisted of a panel discussion featuring GAW stars, where students and young players got more insight into the lives of the Warriors on and off the field. That was followed by a matchup between the Amazon Warriors and the ‘Future Warriors’ Tape ball champions, Stella Maris Primary.
Stella Maris captain Tafari Softleigh, after insisting on bowling first, was assisted by his team in routing the Warriors. Softleigh himself completed the chase inside an over, hitting three consecutive sixes in a performance that was met with cheers and applause even from the Warriors team.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) will be in action tonight against the Jamaica Tallawahs in the first home game of the season. The match will be played at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Bowl-off time is set at 19:00hrs local time. (Jemima Holmes)
