GCA, GDA renews focus on diabetes awareness with U-17 50-over

The Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) teamed up with the Guyana Diabetes Association (GDA) for the third year as they continued to spread health awareness through cricket.
The event which first bowled off back in 2016 targets young cricketers throughout the Georgetown district; spreading awareness of the dangerous disease while targeting the vibrant U17 level.
During Saturday’s press conference held at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) pavilion, where GCA President Roger Harper and Glennis Beaton-Alonzo President of GDA, delivered the feature address to the parents and players in attendance.

Beaton-Alonzo said that she was happy to yet again be a part of the event for another year. She believed that with the tournament already in its third year, more can be achieved going forward as she urged the players to embrace healthy lifestyles.
The GDA head pointed out that they have been into the competition due to the massive benefits of helping the young players get a better understanding of the disease which affects young men worldwide.
With diabetes on the rise in Guyana, Beaton said she wanted to further ensure that those who might have diabetes understand that staying fit and active; especially through cricket is a good way to help treat the disease.
Harper during his remarks said the competition which has been well received over the years, focuses on keeping its players health-conscious, more so while being involved in cricket.
The former Guyana/West Indies all-rounder said the GCA was driven by its desire to not only facilitate cricket across the county but to ensure that its players are seeking healthy lifestyles as well as strong academic foundations.
He said tournaments such as this will further help to keep the youths on a straight path as it creates an environment where players acknowledge the importance of discipline and responsibility whether in life or as a professional cricketer.
During the period of the tournament, players will be tested for diabetes as to help early identify a way forward should persons require assistance. Meanwhile, GCA Competitions Chairman Shawn Massiah outlined the playing conditions for the tournament which will see Zone A and B having two matches each.
The winners of Zone A will face runners-up in Zone B in semi-final one while Zone B’s winner will play the runner-up of Zone A in the finals. Also, players born on or before September 1st 1999 are eligible to play in the competition.
Round one which bowls off todays commences from 9:30am with the first match in both zones being played, while match number 2 in will commence at 14:00hs.