Petra urges all to stay fit and healthy in these trying times

Coronavirus pandemic…

The raging coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced national and international organisations to suspend sporting activities worldwide, thus football activities at all levels have been suspended on the local scene.

The Petra organization of Guyana, however, believes that the sport can make it through this testing period.
Having suspended its Milo Schools Under-18 Football Tournament on March 6, because of some incidents of unrest which occurred following the holding of General and Regional Elections, the Petra organization had its hand forced again exactly one week later when the COVID-19 pandemic descended on these shores with its sweeping health risks.

An email sent by the Petra organisation reads, “The

Milo U-18 2020 tournament has been suspended until further notice following the declaration of the closure of school from Monday, 16th March 2020 by the Ministry of Education. We, the Petra Organization, urge all to take necessary precautions stipulated by the MOPH and PAHO/WHO in the prevention of the COVID-19.”
Guyana Times Sport had a chat with Petra Director Troy Mendonca, and he told this publication that he feels “annulled” since the sport he adores is at a standstill.
“For some time (in past years), there has been no football at the various levels due to the tussle between the Federation and Associations; and due to that, we felt it right to give the footballers an opportunity and get these tournaments going. And, over the years, we have seen a substantial improvement (in the performance) of footballers through these tournaments and at the grassroots level; most of them go on to (play in) the National side,” Mendonca explained.
“Since no football is (now) being played, I feel there’s a void; but we need to do the right thing, that’s why we suspended our tournaments, because the health and safety of the players is what’s important. But we just need to stay hopeful (that) this (crisis) will be over soon and we can get back to where we left off,” he declared.
If the Milo U-18 Football Tournament had been completed, the Corona Futsal Competition was ironically next on the cards to be played; followed by a number of well attended tournaments, which include the ExxonMobil Boys & Girls U-14, Courts Pee Wee U-12, Smalta Girls U-11, Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers U-18 League, KFC Goodwill Series, Limacol 1st Division, and the Turbo Knockout Tournament.
Mendonca has however revealed that Petra wishes to collaborate with the Guyana Football Federation to host a Senior Football League because, “A league is critical for football if the sport is to get better.”
Having been President of the former Georgetown Football Association (GFA), which had successfully hosted the GFA/GT&T Cellink Plus Premier League for a number of years before its liquidation — 18 tournaments were staged at the grassroots and senior levels, and they were contested annually — Mendonca considers himself in an authoritative position to say he has seen improvement in football to the extent that a senior league can be accommodated.
He had the following advice for footballers of all ages during this pandemic: “Stay focused, stay healthy, and try to remain fit. Even though some may not have the facilities to work out on their own, there are little things (they) can do to stay fit and healthy (in order) to help us get through this pandemic.”
He is also urging student/athletes to do as much as they can, to absorb as much knowledge as they can in this time away from school, and to incorporate what they have learnt with their love for the sport; since a balanced mind produces well-rounded individuals over time.
Meanwhile, the Petra team is planning its next move forward, but since it is advised against mass gatherings, this week’s planned meeting is expected to be delayed by a further two weeks. (KB)