Guyana hopes to be filarial-free by 2010
Guyana Chronicle
July 26, 2003
THE Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) unveiled their new slogan “Youth Basketball On The Move” as the city aim to promote the game at a school level.
At a press briefing at the Critchlow Labour College, Thursday, the GABA disclosed that Under-19 plyaers selected from the recently concluded Solutions 2000 Secondary and Tertiary Independence Basketball Competition, were already in training at the National Gymnasium on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The GABA will have the team participate in a number of international tournaments outside of Guyana, with the hope of scouts for Collages or Universities abroad spotting them.
At the moment, the team is scheduled to attend the Under-19 National Schools Championships in St. Lucia.
“It is here that we will play competitive ball in front of a large audience,” GABA Secretary Perry Woolford said.
Also, on the intinerary for the team in training is a trip to Antigua to take part in a three-way tournament, which will include Santo Domingo.
GABA President Raphael Douglas said that funds were needed for the tours to take place.
“We are looking for help for our players, and help will also be asked for by the government. However, if this does not happen our players will still leave since we will hold a number of fund raisers for this purpose,” Douglas said.
For the reminder of the year the GABA President is looking at holding a number of youth events including a third division tournament next month on the open court, with the finals being played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
In September, the GABA is considering holding a Yohance Douglas Under-21 tournament, along with a second division competition.
Between October and November, the GABA is hoping to promote the first ever National Squad Knock out tournament, with clubs from all over Guyana taking part.
In December, the GABA aims to complete the year with a Georgetown Linden “Madness Showdown”
Another project is to refurbish outdoor basketball courts, according to the GABA president.
