One of the most admirable maritime manifestation sailing event SAIL is going to be held in Amsterdam on and around the Eastern Dockland at IJ river from 19th to 23rd August. The theme of this 8th edition Sail 2010 is ‘A nautical encounter between the past, present and future’. It is a worth visiting event for boat enthusiast, water sports adherent and passionate people. An impressive and incomparable fleet can be viewed in the vibrant exhibition of historic ships and nautical heritage. Besides this cultural and sports activities including music, entertainment, art for young as well as old will also be organized everyday. Most of the activities at SAIL 2010 are free of cost for the visitors.

This biggest celebration on water takes place in every 5 years. Earlier it was held in 2005. The exhilarating highlights are the visual fleet of tall ships, classic ships, variety of striking modern yacht, modern ships, sailing heritage craft, impressive replicas and naval vessels that are on display here. A number of private boats are also there to join the sail in the harbour. Tall ships accompanied by a number of historic sailing boats and motorboats is a not to miss panorama. This is a five days long event and ships arrive from all around the globe as U.K., Russia, Poland, Scandinavia, Romania, Ukraine, Germany, Italy and other countries to participate in one of the largest maritime festival in the world. Closing ceremony will take place daily with breath taking fireworks on water which is truly a fabulous view. To make this grand festival a memorable one preparations are in full swing.

Although Holland did not win the trophy yet Dutch team was honored by the city for attaining the second place in the World Soccer Championship. The victory tour had been arranged in Amsterdam on this grand occasion. In the afternoon, after reaching Amsterdam by helicopter the team was taken to a boat tour through the IJ River and the canals of Amsterdam. Thousands of fans lined the Amsterdam’s canals to cheer up the runner up team. Flags were draped in many of the houses along the canal and even giant footballs were hanging from some of the facades. The members of the Dutch Soccer team were able to greet more of the people during canal parade across the canal system in Amsterdam. To have a closer view of the soccer players many of the viewers even jumped into the water. After the boat tour the team was honored with an official open air party at the Museumplein square. Unexpectedly, a large crowd was present in Amsterdam to witness this wonderful event.

The event which was organized by Marcia Ross and former national football star Ras Roger Alphonso kick started with a formal dinner. What followed was a night of entertainment and history of football in New Amsterdam and its genesis in Guyana during the 1970s. Executive members and ex-footballers also posed for some camera clicks.

Eminent guests like Commissioner of Police Henry Greene, former mayor of New Amsterdam Errol Alphonso and Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Colin Klass graced the occasion.

Greene said, “First of all I would like to say a job well done to the organisers and what they are doing with the youths here in New Amsterdam. What we need to do is keep them busy and make the youths productive. There is a lot of potential and ability in Berbice so keep it up.”

GFF President Colin Klass called on New Amsterdam Primary and Secondary Schools Foundation (NAPSS) to put on events of such caliber.

“GFF is ready and willing and is prepared to assure the growth of football in New Amsterdam. We are in the phase of developing a national league with the intent of having it grow into a professional national team,” he said.

Marcia Ross who is the secretary/treasurer of NAPSSs’ overseas branch said she was looking forward to more support in the future regarding female footballers. “Young female football players were represented this evening because we wanted to break the barriers by shining light on the females and we are looking forward to more support in the future.”