The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, will play host to the highly anticipated One Guyana 3×3 Quest, marking the first International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3×3 competition to be held in the Caribbean. Over 20 teams from around the globe will converge for this exciting event, which offers participants a chance to qualify for the prestigious FIBA 3×3 World Tour in Edmonton, Canada, along with other enticing prizes.
Rawle Toney, Vice President of the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) and the tournament organizer, promises a dynamic blend of basketball and entertainment during the event scheduled for April 5 and 6. “The atmosphere will be electric—3×3 basketball is all about entertainment, where the music never stops. We’re looking at 15 hours of basketball over two days, with a cultural event kicking off on the first day,” Toney stated.
Highlighting the caliber of the competition, Toney noted that top-ranked teams from around the Caribbean will participate, including Puerto Rico, currently the leading team in the region and ranked 14th worldwide. He also mentioned that Team Lausanne, one of the most popular 3×3 teams globally, will be present. “Every player competing has participated in last year’s World Tour, and this qualification event is a crucial step for them to return to that level,” he added.
Hosting such a prestigious event comes with its challenges, but Toney expressed gratitude for FIBA’s support in bringing the Quest to the Caribbean. “Initiating the hosting process involves several steps, including paying the nearly US$6,000 hosting fee to FIBA, which the Government has graciously covered on our behalf. Additionally, FIBA is contributing nearly US$10,000 in prize money and assisting with accommodation costs,” he explained.
Toney elaborated on the collaborative efforts with FIBA, stating that their interest in hosting an event in the Caribbean was pivotal. “When we first expressed our intent to host, FIBA was eager to partner with us since no other country in the region had stepped up to take on this responsibility,” he remarked.
The GBF’s commitment to organizing the Quest aligns with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision of positioning Guyana as a hub for international sporting events. Toney noted the government’s supportive role in facilitating this initiative, with ongoing improvements to facilities like parking lots being undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. “His Excellency has encouraged us to bring events that can significantly boost sports tourism and establish Guyana as a leading destination for sports in the region,” he emphasized.
The teams competing in the One Guyana 3×3 Quest will not only vie for a coveted spot in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour but also compete for substantial cash prizes: a grand prize of US$5,000 for the winners, with second and third-place finishers earning US$2,000 and US$1,000 respectively.
With high expectations for both basketball excellence and cultural celebration, the One Guyana 3×3 Quest is set to be a landmark event for sports in Guyana and a significant step toward enhancing its reputation on the international stage.
