Upper Mazaruni Inter-Village Football Tournament 2024: Guyana Beverages Incorporated backs second edition

The Guyana Beverages Inc (GBI), under its Busta and Turbo brands, on Thursday solidified support for the upcoming Upper Mazaruni Inter-Village Football tournament, the second installment of which kicks off in less than two weeks.
In a simple ceremony held at the company’s headquarters at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, GBI Trade & Marketing Coordinator Lalita Lachman handed over the sponsorship cheque to Neil Henrito, coordinator of this tournament, after revealing why the GBI is eager to provide a platform for this hinterland tournament.

“This tournament holds a special place in our hearts, as it not only showcases the incredible talent that thrives in our hinterland communities, but also provides a platform for young athletes to excel and pursue their dreams in the world of football. Sporting events like this are not just games; they’re avenues for social cohesion, personal development and community pride. They instill values of discipline, team work and perseverance, which are essential both on and off the field,” she declared in the presence of media operatives gathered to witness the occasion.
In articulating his vision for the tournament and hopes for its expansion, Henrito revealed that this year’s tournament would feature a female division.
“When I first spoke with one of the co-directors [of Petra], it was my vision that they expand in the hinterland. So, when we had our tournament last year, I was happy that they could’ve facilitated the sponsorship aspect of it. We had six villages competing in the male category, and for this second annual tournament now, we have included the female category,” he informed.

“We are grateful that Guyana Beverages Inc is a key sponsor for this tournament, and we’re hoping that the tournament in the Upper Mazaruni, especially youth football, would expand and reach more heights, and be part of tournaments that Guyanese can look forward to.”
The Petra Organization is assisting the Upper Mazaruni coordinators to pull off the tournament, and its co-director Troy Mendonca said, “We’re happy because, over the years, we would’ve invited Sir Neil (Henrito) and his school to our programmes, and it was good to see him come up with the idea last year to involve the youths within the area in a tournament; and we’re happy because, of course, it’s developmental in nature.”
Mendonca added, “We were able to garner some support for the tournament, give advice and all the necessary as it relates to hosting the tournament, and we’re proud and happy once again to see the tournament is going to be played.”
This tournament features teams from six villages in the Upper Mazaruni: Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang, Kako, Jawalla and Phillipai. Paruima are the defending champions in the boys’ division, while a new champion will be crowned in the girls’ division.