“Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival has reached its 20th year!”
The words of Tricia Fiedtkou sparked a moment of applause from the head table on Tuesday as the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) launched its International Indoor Festival, slated for November 27-30 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The GHB Vice-president was joined by sponsor representatives Raveena Mangal of Demerara Distillers Limited and Triston Freeman of ANSA McAL Distribution for the official launch at the tournament venue.
Click here to view more photos of the launch
Also in attendance at the media activity were Marketing Assistant of Demerara Distillers Limited Pilay Todd and Committee Member of the GHB Shundell Durant.
Spewing enthusiasm about the upcoming tournament, Fiedtkou remarked: “This year’s total prize money is US$10,000.”
The iconic year-end hockey showpiece, like it has done over the last two decades, will once against attract teams from across the region testing their skills against local counterparts in the Men and Women’s Open and two Veterans categories (Over-40 and Over-50).
The introduction of two Veteran divisions is mainly due to the 2026 Indoor Hockey World Cup in the UK, where Guyana is expected to field teams in several age groups in both the male and female categories.
“While it is unfortunate that the Canadian men and some of Trinidad’s top teams are unable to be with us this year, we are happy to see the return of Trinidad and Tobago Police men and women teams in the Open divisions and TTO Masters in the Over-50 category. We remain optimistic that all participating teams will showcase their skills and determination to make this tournament a memorable one,” the GHB official outlined.
“Sports tourism is extremely important to Guyana since we cannot offer the blue water beaches, but visiting teams can experience the eco-tourist attractions, culture and reknowned hospitality of our country,” Fiedtkou boasted.
Fiedtkou was very grateful for the support of corporate Guyana in shaping the evolution and success of the tournament, first held in 2004.
“Our first and only Gold sponsor, Demerara Distillers Limited, who has stuck with us without fail continues to demonstrate their commitment to the sport of hockey and their generosity and dedication have been instrumental in fostering the growth and success of this festival.”
ANSA McAL, another corporate sponsor, has been with us intermittently through their Carib beer brand and this year they are fostering the Veterans’ divisions through the Tropical Rhythm range of juices. For the first time, we welcome Trophy Stall to our list of sponsors. Their vast range of trophies and medals is indeed an important element to the success of our tournament.”
“Meaningful impact”
For Brand Executive Raveena Mangal, this tournament has become a signature event on Demerara Distillers Limited’s annual calendar, noting that its competitive spirit continues to elevate the sport.
“Our longstanding partnership with the Guyana Hockey Board has had a meaningful impact, providing athletes with valuable opportunities to compete, grow, and strengthen their skills,” she declared.
“Diamond Mineral Water is proud to play a role in the advancement of sports nationwide, and we remain committed to promoting sport as a healthy, positive form of entertainment for our communities.”
“This tournament stands as the longest-running indoor hockey competition in Guyana and the wider Caribbean, and we are delighted to see it continue to attract both male and female teams from across the country and abroad.”
Business Unit Head (Beverage) at ANSA McAL Distribution Triston Freeman was equally delighted to share his company’s alliance with the tournament, which dates back to several years.
“We’re excited to be a part of this tournament again. Over the last decade we have thrown our support behind the Hockey Board and the sport in general,” Freeman stated.
He further related that his entity’s sponsorship of the festival is an extension of its support to sport in general in Guyana.
See the full tournament schedule below:
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