Republic Bank/One Guyana “B” Division Volleyball finals launched

– Min Ramson commits to expanding sport nationwide
The finals of the Republic Bank/One Guyana “B” Division Volleyball Tournament were officially launched on Saturday at the Culture, Youth and Sport Boardroom, where Minister Charles Ramson Jr pledged continued support for the development of volleyball across Guyana.

Addressing officials and players, Minister Ramson said the tournament provides a vital platform for identifying and nurturing talent in communities nationwide.
“When you hear a thousand persons participating in the tournament, it doesn’t really tell you the reach. Guyana is a big place – 8000 square miles, 10 regions, and mountains and rivers that separate that land space,” he said. “In those villages, there are people with hopes and dreams, and volleyball forms part of that. Without a structure or a vehicle for recognition, those dreams just fade over time. That’s a loss for them, and for the country too.”
He also promised greater national promotion of the event and its athletes next year.

“By next year, the country will know about this. All of the top performers – you will become stars – because we will be supporting the promotion of those games in your communities, wherever they’re played,” he declared.
Ramson expressed satisfaction that the tournament finals will again be hosted at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), now upgraded with air-conditioning.
“Last year, we made the commitment that the tournament finals would be held in the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, in our newly renovated, air-conditioned facility. I’m happy to see that being fulfilled,” he said.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Dr Toussaint Boyce, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to investing in sport through its social development programmes.
“I’m now making my re-entry to Guyana, and as a result, it’s very important for me to demonstrate Republic Bank’s commitment and representation at events like these,” Dr Boyce noted. “Sport has always held a special place in the hearts of our staff at Republic Bank. Through our Power to Make a Difference initiative, we’ve championed sports of all kinds because we see them as one of the most powerful tools for positive change.”
President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), John Flores, also expressed appreciation to the Ministry and Republic Bank for their partnership in advancing the sport.
“This tournament gives teams and communities across the country an opportunity to showcase their skills and to meet and talk volleyball with each other,” he said. “We could not be doing this monumental tournament without the invaluable support from the Ministry and Republic Bank.”
The regional playoffs, which began in May in Lethem, resumed after a brief break for the General Elections and concluded on October 11 in Affiance, Essequibo Coast. A total of 10 teams, in both male and female categories, have advanced to the finals in Georgetown.
The quarter-finals are set for November 1, with the men’s competition scheduled for the National Gymnasium and the women’s division at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Teams will compete in four groups of three, with group winners advancing to the semi-finals and finals on November 2 at CASH.
Male Teams:
Spartans (Mabaruma), Mainstay, Wakapau (Essequibo), Warriors (Bartica), Hururu (defending champions), Glasgow Rangers (Linden), CBB, Castrol (Demerara), PMTC, Rollers (Berbice), Orealla, and Central Rupununi (Region 9).
Female Teams:
Spartans (Mabaruma) (defending champions), Wakapau (Essequibo), Imbaimadai (Upper Mazaruni), Pakuri, Glasgow Rangers (Linden), CBB, Saints (Demerara), PMTC, Rollers (Berbice), Warriors (Bartica), Central Rupununi (Region 9), and Moruka.