Preparations moving apace for upcoming PM Softball Cup

By Ravendra Madholall

Preparations for the eighth edition of the Prime Minister Softball Cup are going well, according to the President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. Ian John.

The three-day extravaganza is slated for October 11-13 with teams from New York, Orlando, Canada and throughout Guyana set to participate again.

John disclosed that registration is still ongoing for all three Men’s categories: Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over-40) and Open (All-Stars). Several ladies’ teams will be competing as well.

Matches will be played in Georgetown with all four finals being staged at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

“Things [are] going well so far with our preparations and we are also excited and ready to have another softball tournament,” John stated.

The GSCL Inc. will be running off the tournament in collaboration with the Office of Prime Minister and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

In the Legends category, Guyana-based team Regal captured the 2023 trophy and also the Masters. Ariel All-Stars retained the Open trophy and 4R Lioness tasted success in the female division. John mentioned that over G$3 million will be up for grabs; he is anticipating some competitive cricket from throughout the three days.

“Last year was a great success and we at the GSCL Inc. are delighted to have overseas teams challenging or local teams again in every category; it was thrilling in 2023 and I would predict more excitement in 2024,” John commented.

There will be more numerous prizes up for grabs and John took the opportunity to thank the sponsors who have come on board for this showdown.

Like he has been doing since the inauguration of the mega softball event in 2016, John has expressed profound appreciation to the Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips for being the Patron of the tournament.

When this year’s edition was launched mid last month in the city, Phillips was in attendance and he too said that he was ‘super excited’ to witness many of softball stars exhibiting their tremendous talent in all aspects of their game.

The champion teams in the three male categories will receive G$600,000 and the ladies’ winner $200,000. The cash prizes will be accompanied by trophies.