President Ali, Prime Minister Phillips endorse Kares One Guyana T10 Blast
President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday met with the organisers of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast, which will be played in Georgetown July 29-30.
President Ali, the tournament’s patron, recommitted his support to the tourney, noting it was an event that would bring many people together from various communities under the “One Guyana” banner.
The President also unveiled the specially-made hand-crafted winner’s trophy. Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips was also present, and he, too, pledged his support towards the tournament.
President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips display the winning trophy along with organisers Yusuf Ali (far left) and Akeem Greene (far right) at the Office of the President on Friday (Photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali)
The tournament features 32 teams drawn from various geographical locations. Preliminary matches will be staged at the Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence Force, Queen’s College Ground, YMCA, and Transport Sports Club, while the finals will be held at the Everest Cricket Ground on July 30.
To progress to the championship match, a team must win three matches on day one and their semi-final on day two.
They will then qualify to compete for the first prize of $1 million cash and the specially-crafted One Guyana Trophy.
The organisers are grateful for the support of Kares Engineering, which quickly committed to being the title sponsor, and Mohamed’s Enterprise, which funded the first-place prize and offset the transportation costs for Team Moruca. They are also grateful to Banks DIH, through GT Beer, for fuelling the weekend; Star Rentals; Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc; ENet; Regal Stationery and Computer Centre; V-Net Communications; Trophy Stall; Premier Insurance; Cricket Zone USA; Beacon Café; Continental Transport; the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; National Sports Commission; RS53 RestoBar and Lounge; Jacobs Jewelry & Pawn Shop; First Change Builders Inc; Impressions Inc and Sicko Mode.
The first-ever champions will pocket $1 million, while the losing finalists will collect $300,000.
President Dr Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister and Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips along with organisers Yusuf Ali (far left) and Akeem Greene (far right) at the Office of the President on Friday (Photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali)
The two losing semi-finalists will walk away with $100,000 each. There will also be prizes for outstanding individual performances.
Additionally, there will be a celebrity match before the championship match where the winning side will be rewarded $200,000, which will be donated to a charity of their choice.
The celebrity match could feature President Ali, former national and international cricketers, entertainers, sponsors, media members, athletes, former and current Ministers, and other influential persons in Guyana.
The organisers reminded that not only players would walk away with their pockets filled as there would be numerous instant prizes for the fans who participate in cricket novelty activities.
At the same time, the children will be pampered with free rides, games, and treats in the Banks DIH Fun Zone.
There was a change in fixtures to accommodate the usage of normal mud pitches, as unanimously requested by participating teams.
Round of 16 matches commences at 13:30h at all five venues, while Super Eight matches start at 16:00h and will be at QC, Police and the Guyana Defence Grounds only.
The semi-finals and final are on July 30 at Everest Cricket Ground.
Round of 32 fixtures:
Matches starting at 09:00h
1. Eccles All Stars v Hero Riders – Queen’s College Ground
2. Ministry of Human Services and Social Security v Bartica Bulls – Queen’s College Ground
3. Avinash All-Stars v PB Contractors – YMCA
4. Continental Transport v Moruca XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground
5. Eastsye v Airport XI – Guyana Defence Force Ground
6. The United Crew v Spartan Strikers – Guyana Defence Force Ground
7. Village Rams v Young Steppaz – Transport Sports Club
8. Ministry of Housing & Water v Central Stars – Police Sports Club
Matches starting at 11:00h
9. Ariel XI v Movements Family – Queen’s College Ground
10. Big B’s Blairmont Blazers v MS 13 XI – Queen’s College Ground
11. Team Corruption v Upsetters – YMCA
12. Guyana Power & Light v Laluni – Guyana Defence Force Ground
13. 1Name Brand v Storm Chasers – Guyana Defence Ground
14. Tarmac Titans v EC Express – Transport Sports Club
15. Diamond Gunners v Region Three Police – Police Sports Club
16. Avery Lounge v V-Net Vipers – Police Sports Club
