By Michael DaSilva
THE Guyana Beverages Inc., distributors of Fruta beverages, yesterday contributed to the development of the Tucville ground, home to the Fruta Conquerors footballers.

Addressing members of the media and special invitees yesterday, Guyana Beverages Inc. General Manager, Robert Selman, informed that his company has contributed $500 000 for the construction of a 70×20 feet stand to accommodate children and the stand will be named the Kool Kidz Stand.

According to Selman, negotiations are under way to allow children under the age of 10 years to enter the football facility free of cost when football matches are being played there, and for them to be accommodated in the Kool Kidz stand.

Selman said in 1999 the Tucville facility was a grazing ground for cattle and his company, being the #1 sponsor for the Fruta Conquerors Club, brought it to what it is today.

While the facility does not have restrooms for teams and officials, club secretary and general secretary of the Georgetown Football Association, Marlon Cole, disclosed that plans are in place to construct bathroom facilities at the ground.

He said that letters of intent have already been sent to the Ministry of Public Works and Communications for the construction of same as well as the development of the area immediately around the Tucville ground for the construction of a facility to accommodate afternoon exercises for residents of the community.

Selman said Guyana Beverages Inc. will continue to support the efforts of the Fruta Conquerors club and has been contributing approximately $1M annually to the club.

He highlighted that in a country like Guyana with so much land space, there should be more facilities for sport and questioned why only now other corporate citizens are coming on board to support the sport.

Selman disclosed that last year his company sponsored an Under-13 tournament which he deemed was a success and this year they will sponsor another such tournament under the Fruta Max and Fruta banners.