Massy Distribution ‘supporting dreams and potential’ via Petra U-18 football

Chief Executive Officer of Massy Distribution Troy Beharry said his company has made a concerted effort to support the dreams and potential of young Guyanese footballers by strategically investing in the annual Under-18 Schools Tournament, coordinated by the Petra Organisation.

Now in its 12th year, the tournament, backed by the Ministry of Education, will kick off on March 21 with 32 teams vying for top honours.

According to Beharry, corporate social responsibility must be real and meaningful and be able to create impact, hence Massy Distribution’s injection of $8 million into the tournament.

“Supporting this tournament does exactly that,” Beharry declared.

“Over the years, this competition has helped to develop football in Guyana. Many of our national footballers would have emerged from tournaments like this one. That is something we should all be proud of.”

“So when we support this tournament, we are not just sponsoring football, we are supporting dreams, we are supporting potential, we are supporting the next generation of talent in Guyana.”

Via its wide array of brands, Massy Distribution is aiming to promote wellness throughout the tournament.

“We’re proud to highlight the importance of nutrition, hydration, personal care and healthy living because great performance on the field starts with the right habits off the field,” Beharry stressed.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs welcomed the investment by Massy Distribution and the partnership by the relevant stakeholders to foster the development of sport.

“What Massy is doing here is something that is remarkable,” Minister Jacobs told the gathering at the tournament launch.

“And I also want to call on all of corporate Guyana to join hands in propelling sport, in helping our athletes, even if it’s sponsoring an athlete.”

Minister Jacobs, himself a former sportsman, said it is critically important partnership are created to shape individuals who can meaningfully contribute to nation-building.

“And that is something we should all, as corporate Guyana, pay attention to and support.”

The minister also used to opportunity to congratulate the Petra Organisation and its Directors Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole for consistently forming alliances with the corporate community in pushing the development of youth football.

The 32 teams will be placed in eight groups of four for the first round of the tournament, which will followed a round-robin/knockout format.

The champion team is guaranteed G$300,000 for a school project, while second and third will get G$200,000 and G$100,000 respectively.