By Travis Seymour, NCN Sports – November 22, 2024
The 19th edition of the Diamond Mineral Water International Hockey Festival has been officially launched and is set to take place from November 28 to December 1, 2024, at the National Gymnasium.
The tournament, which originated in 2004 following a challenge by Joseph Red’s Pereira, will feature teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, and some of Guyana’s top clubs.
This year’s event will include competitions in the men’s Open, women’s Open, and Masters categories for players over 35 and 40 years old.
Phillip Fernandes, President of the Guyana Hockey Board, emphasized the significance of this event, stating that it plays a crucial role in bringing local teams to par with regional standards while offering players exposure to high-level competition.
The tournament, held annually except during the Covid-19 pandemic and when the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was under renovation, continues to receive support from Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).
Marketing Manager Larry Wills confirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to backing the tournament, citing its valuable role in the sport’s development.
Participating teams in the Men’s Open include Defence Force, Police Force, and Queens Park Oval from Trinidad and Tobago, the Toronto Lions from Canada, along with local sides Bounty GCC, Pepsi Hikers, Old Fort, and Saints.
The women’s teams will feature Trinidad’s George United and Police Force, as well as GBTI GCC, Old Fort, and Saints.
In the Over 35 category, GCC, Hikers, Fatima, Toronto Lions, and Queen’s Park will compete, while the Over 45’s will field teams from GCC, Hikers/Old Fort combined, Caribs, and Fatima.
A standout feature of this year’s festival is the participation of Ayana McClean from Trinidad, who will serve as the first female Caribbean umpire qualified to officiate at World Cup and Olympic tournaments.
McClean has officiated in over 100 international matches. Alongside her, Aaron Finer from the USA will be providing medical services for the tournament.
The festival is supported by Demerara Distillers Limited, Ansa McAl, ExxonMobil, Republic Bank, Bounty Supermarkets, and Sterling Products Ltd.
Additionally, the Ministry of Youth, Sport & Culture and the National Sports Commission are backing the event.
The matches will be streamed live, courtesy of Enet, with teams vying for a prize pool exceeding $10,000.