(Kaieteur News) – The Petra Organisation, in collaboration with Beharry Holding, launched its flagship programme, the KFC International Goodwill Football Championship, on Wednesday at the Cara Lodge.
First staged in 2018, the tournament has grown significantly in both participation and competitiveness. Regarded as the most competitive schools championship of its kind, it has drawn teams from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Brazil and The Bahamas. Barbados is also set to make its debut this year.
The seventh edition will feature eight schools, three of them from host nation Guyana. The championship runs from December 13 to 20. Schedule includes; March Past on December 13, followed by Culture Day on December 14, before culminating on December 20 with the final.
Edition Seven of the Championship will commence on December 13.
Expressing gratitude for the renewed sponsorship, Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca thanked Beharry Holding for partnering with organisation to bring another edition of the tournament.
In his featured remark, Mendonca acknowledged main sponsor KFC for its continued confidence and investment in making the programme possible. He also recognised the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, whose support, he said, reflects a shared commitment to development, education and sport.
“This tournament, as you know, is far more than just playing on the football field,” Mendonca said.
“Through this tournament we are able to bring together several countries from the Caribbean and Brazil. Affording players the opportunity to encounter different cultures and build friendships.”
Petra Organisation Director, Troy Mendonca
He explained, “On the field, players have the freedom to express their talent, discipline, creativity and teamwork, while representing their country through their respective schools.”
Reaffirming its commitment, KFC CEO Paul Subryan said the company is proud to support the tournament. Sharing the platform with Nicholas Fraser of the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Unit, Subryan stressed the value of competing against opponents from other countries.
“We each have one particular style of play, and it is only when we compete against other countries, with other skill sets, that we really learn, and we learn from each other,” he said. “That is why KFC is so proud to support this tournament, because we’re all about community development. We’re all about youth development through sport.”
Addressing the players directly, he added: “This tournament is your opportunity. Give your best for your school and for your teammates. Enjoy the competition, respect one another, and be proud of the effort it took to get here.”
Subryan wished Petra a successful seventh year of competition.
The tournament is expected to be highly competitive and a showcase of diverse cultures and playing styles. Several schools, including Naparima College and Excelsior High School, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to compete.
Also during the launch special mention was made of Percy Samlal of Naparima College (Trinidad and Tobago); Carl Donor of Excelsior High School (Jamaica); Wilfred Gallant (Suriname); Warren Ramsay (Barbados); Jonathan Joseph, representing the Brazil team; and Orlande Chase of the Chase Academy Foundation. Also recognised were Coach Frank of Annai Secondary, Sheldon Maharaj, the regional coordinator and Narada Wilson.
Source: Kaieteur News