By Travis Seymour
As the 5th ExxonMobil Under-14 championship gears up to commence, organizers have taken a moment to recognize and applaud the efforts of the coaches and teachers whose dedication contributes significantly to the success of the event.
The tournament, set to kick off with group stage matches, will feature 40-minute games with 20-minute halves.
As the competition progresses to the knockout phases, the duration of games will extend to 50 minutes.
This year’s championship encompasses both male and female school teams competing for a prize of $400,000, which will be allocated towards a school project of their choice.
Co-director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, emphasized the pivotal role played by teachers in shaping the success of students and, by extension, the tournament itself.
Mendonca underscored the dedication demonstrated by teachers over the years, highlighting their integral role in nurturing young talent.
ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Advisor, Ryan Hoppie, expressed the company’s pleasure in providing support for the championship.
Hoppie commended all stakeholders involved, particularly the teachers, for their profound impact on youth development.
He emphasized the importance of such tournaments in providing wholesome and beneficial experiences for young athletes.
In addition to the competitive aspect of the tournament, MVPs will be recognized with trophies, football boots, and a year’s worth of educational support in the form of school supplies.
The championship is made possible through the sponsorship of ExxonMobil, Stena Drilling, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (MCYS), MVP Sport, DDL through their Pepsi Brand, and the Ministry of Education.
Reflecting on last year’s championship, Waramuri secured the girl’s title, while Bartica emerged victorious in the boy’s division.
With anticipation building for this year’s tournament, organizers are eager to witness the talent and sportsmanship displayed by the participating teams.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, the ExxonMobil Under-14 championship stands as a testament to the power of sports in fostering youth development and promoting camaraderie among schools across Guyana.