Eight female teams have registered for the ninth Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup, prompting Prime Minister Mark Phillips to pledge his support for increased prize money in the women’s competition.
Phillips made the commitment while officially launching the October 2-4 tournament yesterday afternoon at the Gandhi Youth Organisation Ground on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc.-organised tournament has attracted 24 teams across four categories: Over-50, Over-40, All Stars and Female 12/12. Registration remains open ahead of the three-day competition.
Phillips, the tournament’s patron, said he was encouraged by the development of the female category and believes additional prize money could help attract more teams and players.
The female champions are currently set to receive G$200,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will collect G$80,000 and a trophy.
Each winner in the three male categories will take home G$800,000 and a trophy. The second-placed teams will receive G$200,000 and a trophy. Several individual awards will also be presented for outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
The Prime Minister described softball cricket as a “people’s game” because it provides opportunities for players from various age groups.
“Over the years, I’m pleased to see this tournament grow into a truly people’s tournament,” Phillips said.
He also pointed to the Government’s investment in sporting infrastructure through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport as an opportunity for the competition to increase its national reach.
According to Phillips, the continued construction and upgrading of facilities could allow future editions to move beyond the tournament’s traditional venues and accommodate more teams from across Guyana.
He also praised the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. and the tournament’s sponsors for their support, which he said has played an important role in the competition’s growth and longevity.
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