Preserve our culture – Minister Garrido-Lowe urges

…as colorful Heritage Games open

The annual Heritage Games which form part of the Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations were on Friday declared open by Minister in the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, and subject Minister Sydney Allicock.
The three-day event, which includes a cricket tournament, football, swimming, archery and volleyball, has teams from the various regions across the country participating.
At the march past, Minister Garrido-Lowe noted that Amerindians have always been athletically inclined, and it is important for them to preserve their culture, even through sports. In female cricket action, newcomers Kartabo of Region 7 (125/2) beat Siparuta of Region 6 (29 all out) by 96 runs to advance to the next round.

Also in winners’ row were Moraikobai of Region 5 (79/7 from 10 overs) who beat Moruca of Region 1 (39 all out) by 40 runs; Santa Mission of Region 3 (74/2) winning by 8 wickets over Laluni of Region 4 (73/4), and Capoey of Region 2 (76/5) who beat Swan of Region 4 (72/6) by 5 wickets.
Kartabo will today come up against Santa Mission, while Pakuri (formerly St Cuthbert’s Mission) will take on Moraikobai. Capoey have drawn the bye to the semi-finals
In the male cricket competition, the hunt for semi-final places is on as well.
Mahdia of Region 8 will play Pakuri, while Laluni will take on Region 2 United.
Campbelltown have drawn the bye.
In the opening match, Campbelltown made 97/5 from 10 overs, before limiting Moraikobai to 58/8 for the 39-run victory.
In the second match, Laluni beat Matarkai of Region 1 by 55 runs.
Laluni were led by David Francis with 88 not out, on their way to 131/7 before reducing Matakai to 76/8.
In the final match of the day, Pakuri (80/3 from 7.1 overs) beat Santa Aratak (78/9) by 7 wickets.
Heritage Games will continue today with volleyball at 10:00h, while archery will be done between 13:00 and 15:00h at Everest.