Customer Representative at E-Net, Tiffany Ramdyhan (left), presents to SMI Principal, Edison Jefford.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) is set to provide significant support for the Mashramani Street Football Championships, with the Semi-Final and Final scheduled for this Saturday night at the National Park starting at 19:00 hours. In a recent press release, Sports Management Inc. (SMI), the organization behind the championships, expressed their appreciation to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, for his considerable backing of the event.

Minister Ramson, alongside Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle (right), and Assistant Director of Sport, Franklin Wilson (left), joined Edison Jefford for a photo opportunity at the Ministry, where they announced their support for the Mashramani Street Football Championships taking place this Saturday night.

The release noted, “We are grateful to Minister Ramson and wish to extend our thanks to him and the Government of Guyana for their support of this event and the communities involved in this level of sport. This is the kind of leadership needed to foster holistic sports development.”

The document highlighted that the government and ministry have actively engaged in sports development across all levels. It emphasized Minister Ramson’s vigorous efforts in promoting sports in Guyana, asserting that his support at the grassroots level would greatly benefit participants.

Edison Jefford, SMI principal, reached out to the Minister to formally request support for the championships, to which Minister Ramson readily agreed. The release stated, “The minister has confirmed his attendance at the event on Saturday night.”

Given that MCY&S oversees Mashramani activities, SMI views the official endorsement as a significant achievement for the only sporting event on the Mashramani calendar. “We are thrilled and believe this endorsement signifies we are moving in the right direction,” the release commented.

Additionally, E-Net has reiterated its commitment to the event as it approaches its semi-final and final rounds. The tournament has seen two weeks of thrilling street football, attracting 32 teams from various communities across the nation. SMI recognized E-Net’s ongoing support and its dedication to grassroots sports development. “We commend E-Net for engaging at this level,” the release noted, emphasizing the importance of grassroots sports for identifying and nurturing talent.

Describing the championships as “spectacular,” SMI highlighted the remarkable skills and talent showcased throughout the tournament, which will conclude with the Final Four and Final this weekend.

The Mashramani Street Football Championships will feature a grand finale on Saturday night, with cash prizes of $500,000 for the winner, $300,000 for second place, $200,000 for third place, and $100,000 for fourth place. Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams, and the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) will receive $50,000 and a trophy.

In addition, a Plate Playoffs will showcase the four losing quarterfinalists and the top two teams from the Super-16 round, with a total prize pool of $100,000. The top three teams in this playoff will each receive a case of Magnum Tonic Wine.