Montserrat was represented for the first time at the World Domino Federation Annual General meeting in Orlando, Florida this week. The meeting followed the conclusion of the World Domino tournament from August 17-26.
A two-member delegation in vice president of the Montserrat Domino Association (MDA) Mr. Winston Telesford and seasoned domino player Mr. Leon Spinks, returned for Florida, after attending the final two days of the Federation Championship games and the annual general meeting.
Mr. Telesford told The Montserrat Reporter (TMR) that the visit was a good experience. He revealed that apart from observing the championship games they were afforded the opportunity to also play two friendly matches with the Barbados team, who won the tournament. The Montserratians won the first of the two matches they played.
He said one of the things the Association was informed of, was the lengthy time that is devoted to the games, which is significantly different from what is practiced here in Montserrat. Another observation made during their visit, was the difference in the rules governing the matches. He explained that two of the challenges the Association would face in putting on such lengthy matches is getting sponsorship and players.
According to the Vice President, countries such as Barbados were able to produce several teams, where most of the players play domino professionally, which is different from Montserrat players. However, he said that the Association will look at reviewing their rules and other areas, where it is beneficial to Montserrat.
Meanwhile, MDA president Mr. Gregory Willock, explained that the main purpose for their attendance was to build closer ties with the Federation and present Montserrat non-coding method of playing domino to the Federation, which is contrary to the international coding method.
Willock said, “We are really pleased to get the opportunity to send our delegates to the meeting. This would allow us to determine if we need to change the style of Domino that we are playing, or whether we don’t want to associate ourselves and probably be honorary members of the Federation.”
“A few years ago… Antigua volunteered to play some friendly games with us to allow us to get a feel of what this coding style of domino is like at the international level. But when Antigua came here we were at a loss, because…they played a style of coding, a form of coding which we are not accustomed to in any form of dominos here. What we experienced against Antigua was really unfamiliar territory for us,” he said.
He continued, “We decided as an Association that it was necessary for us to make representation even if we weren’t sending a team to the World Domino Federation Championship, to send a two-member delegation to the AGM so we can give the Federation a country update and also inform them of the style of Domino that we play and the rules we play under.”
