The second edition of the Kares One Guyana T10 tournament has commenced with a significant boost as the Government of Guyana has pledged its support for the event through 2024 and 2025.
Organizer Akeem Greene announced this commitment following a meeting with Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.
This year’s tournament features 32 top Tapeball teams competing for an enhanced purse of 1.5 million Guyanese dollars alongside coveted bragging rights.
The prize distribution includes half a million dollars for the runner-up team and quarter million dollars each for the two losing semi-finalists.
Matches are scheduled for August 3, 4, 11, and culminate with the semi-finals, final, and Cricket for Charity match on August 25 at the National Stadium.
Minister Charles Ramson Jr. highlighted the government’s endorsement of the T10 Tape ball Blast for the next two years, underscoring its potential to evolve into a premier national sporting event.
He echoed President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s sentiments from the 2023 tournament, recognizing its role in promoting grassroots sports and attracting international attention.
Organizers have noted substantial interest from countries such as Pakistan, the United States, Trinidad, Barbados, and Dominica, signaling promising opportunities for growth with expanded corporate sponsorship.
A notable feature of the tournament is its humanitarian component, particularly the Cricket for Charity match spearheaded by President Ali, which raised over G$20 million in 2023.
Organizers aim to surpass this mark with increased private sector support this year.
Individual achievements in the tournament will be recognized with awards for Player-of-the-Final, Most Valuable Player, as well as accolades for the highest runs and most wickets.
In the previous edition, Eccles All-Stars emerged victorious over V-Net Vipers in the final, with Team Corruption and Tarmac finishing as the losing semi-finalists.