Here, students of the Berbice High School strike a pose after a session conducted by the GBL
The Guyana Basebell League (GBL) is bracing itself for a busy 2014, even as it comes off a challenging 2013 in which it was able to make some strides in the game of baseball/ softball.
This disclosure was made by president of the GBL, Robin Singh, during his New Year’s message to Guyanese, specifically those directly involved with the game.
Below is the full text of the message.
“Dear Guyana, baseball/ softball coaches, players, fans, sponsors, media and the general public, I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year. On behalf of the whole Baseball Guyana organisation, I wish you all the best as we begin another journey of challenges, victories, lessons and changes in the year ahead.
We thank our all volunteer staff and cadre of coaches for their tireless work in spreading the great game of baseball throughout the 10 regions of Guyana.
This year has been a challenging one for Baseball Guyana, the introduction of a new game to our shores was never envisaged to be an easy task. 2013 was our year zero and we grew from an idea to a sport with over 700 school-aged participants; this is 200 in excess of our stated year one goal of 500. Our number of certified coaches now number 26 and we have only just begun.
Such rapid growth comes with many challenges and a decision was made to support the growth of the game in Berbice at the expense of the others.
The Caribbean Examinations Council’s decision to allow baseball as an examination sport for the Physical Education certificate has been a significant one for our sport.
The coming year will see us adding to the number of schools in both Berbice and Demerara with baseball coaching programmes.
Our first official PONY league will be played during the period January to April and the winners of the 14 and under category are expected to compete in the PONY Caribbean Zone tournament in Puerto Rico, July 9-13.
At the Board of Directors and management levels we continue to be committed to the development of the game for wider participation and awareness. We look forward to working with you and your children for a rewarding new year.”
