GCC hosting 10/10 to kick start ‘Bourda restoration’
The legendary Georgetown Cricket Club known around the world as the Bourda Cricket Ground will be hosting a sponsored 10 overs-a-side softball cricket competition to kick start a series of fundraising events aimed primarily to the club’s infrastructural development.
The world famous GCC, Bourda was referred to as the ‘billiards table ground and batting paradise’
The initiative is a collaborative effort with the GCC governing body and Paul’s Importer Distributor and will run from July 30-31 at the club’s ground.
The tournament will see 16 teams from across the country vying for over $500,000 in cash and prizes.
First place will walk away with $125,000 along with trophy; runner-up will collect $75,000 and a trophy while third place will receive $50,000 and a trophy
However, there are also cash prizes for the best batsman, bowler and overall player.
Owner of Paul’s Import, Jaipaul Bharat, explained that not only players are winners, but fans too.
“Every supporter that owns a vehicle will receive a special Paul’s Importer/Distributor Coupon for a 10% discount on any branded product throughout the month of August.”
Further to that, on match days, patrons may participate in a small raffle at the cost of $200 per ticket for instant prizes compliments of the various partners on board so far.
The 132 year old ground is recognized as the oldest ground in the Caribbean, having hosted a number of international matches including 30 test matches and at one time had an estimated capacity of 25,000.
Sadly, the ground has not hosted an international match since 2006 and lost international status but remains a first class venue.
The Bourda ground has deteriorated over the years and stakeholders are now trying to restore this piece of history to its former glory.
Club Captain, Graham Alli pointed out that the club was struggling to survive but managed to do so through the efforts of former cricketers and loyal club members.
“More needs to be done and we are looking for a few big fund raisers that will help us to renovate the club and hopefully one day return it to international status.”
The organisers are looking for 16 of the best teams to battle in the two day extravaganza with an eye on the bigger picture, ‘Bourda Restoration.’ The first six teams to register will be outfitted with branded tee-shirts and complimentary meals. Teams are asked to pay a registration fee of $30,000 and if they can gather at least 100 supporters they will get an additional $25,000.
Bourda is used extensively for Georgetown Cricket Association matches as well as a training ground for various national teams. The Guyana Cricket Board’s Administrative Office is also at the historic venue. The majority of work has to be done beyond the boundary and the club’s executives will be installing permanent lights very shortly which will aid in the very popular Friday night matches mainly for corporate entities.
Both Alli and Bharat said that the ‘Bourda Restoration’ is opened to everyone since many persons want to see the piece of international history restored for generations to come to fully appreciate.
