KFC to sponsor Mixed Martial Arts Federation at upcoming Pan American Championship
Beharry Restaurant Holdings (BRH) under its KFC brand, continues to maintain its developmental partnership with the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF), by becoming the premier sponsor of the entity’s second international competition, the Pan American Championship, which is slated for Monterrey, Mexico from June 22 to 24.
Marketing Manager of BRH, Pamela Manasseh, handed over a cheque in the sum of $2 million to the association at a simple but significant presentation ceremony held at the company’s Vlissengen Road headquarters yesterday.
Manasseh during her brief remarks noted that the company has a storied history of supporting sport and educational platforms and programs, adding that the establishment is happy to continue their partnership with the emerging association.
On behalf of BRH, she wished the GMMAF success, adding that the company’s support of the federation will be a hallmark of the future.
Meanwhile, GMMAF President Gavin Singh in his remarks stated, “In January 2022 Beharry Restaurant Holdings under the KFC franchise, not only provided sponsorship for our national team to attend our first World Championship in Abu Dhabi, but they also pledged to aid in future competitions and working together with GMMAF for development of Mixed Martial Arts in Guyana. Today, Beharry Restaurant Holdings honours their commitment in supporting the national team to attend the first International Mixed Martial Arts Pan America Championships to be held from June 22 to 24 in Monterrey, Mexico. I wish to thank your Board of Directors, General Manager Maria Yellery-Hoosein, and Marketing Manager Pamela Manasseh for their efforts invested in making this possible.”
“It will take commitment from companies such as Beharry Restaurant Holdings who understand that success for their companies is not only measured in sales but also in contributing to sports development, academic development and cultural growth in this great land of ours. That will make the impossible a tangible reality,” Singh added.
Six athletes from Phoenix Jujitsu, Guyana Police Force, and 3-Ryu Karate Club, are under consideration to be selected to compete in the tournament. The final roster will be announced shortly.
According to Singh, “Some clubs have opted to exhibit their athletes for selection while some were reluctant due to unpreparedness. Most coaches and local executives have accepted the need for championship camps for their teams. Henceforth, allowing the experienced candidates to be the first choice since Guyana will be on show. The preparation of athletes is a process that entails individual selection, training mechanisms, coaching apparatuses, and medical and anti-doping training.”
Sherwin Sandy, Vice-President of the GMMAF, praised BRH for their continued support, adding that the federation envisions a prosperous future in partnership with the corporate entity, as they work in unison to develop the emerging discipline.
Dr Sawan Jagnarain, Executive Member of the GMMAF, affirmed that the association’s participation in the Pan American Championship is indicative of a growing and vibrant sporting body, adding that as the anti-doping liaison with the International Mixed Martials Arts Federation, his task is to ensure that all athletes are compliant with, and educated on the requisite protocols.
He further revealed that educational seminars have been held with all the stakeholders under the umbrella of the local association, disclosing that no athlete to date has failed any of the mandated tests in their bid to compete at the international level.
Guyana made its international debut at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Amateur World Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in January 2022.
Team Guyana, which included Ijaz Cave, and Carlos D’Anjou, incurred losses at their first hurdle. D’Anjou suffered an unfortunate first-round exit at the prestigious tournament, losing to Ireland’s Adam McEnroe via a second-round technical knockout (TKO) in their welterweight encounter. It was a debut to forget for D’Anjou, who was stopped with 1:51 remaining on the clock by the Irishman in Cage One.
On the other hand, Cave was eliminated in his debut at the Round of 16 stage. Given a bye to the aforesaid section, Cave was knocked out (KO’d) by Sweden’s Robin Enontekio in the first round of their Light Heavyweight Divisional clash.