PLAY International, Inc., a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through sports, education, leadership development, and cultural exchange, announces the 2026 Toni Burnett Youth Cultural Exposure Tour, taking place across Guyana from July 30 through August 5, 2026.
Named in honor of the late Toni Burnett, whose passion for young people, education, and community service continues to inspire others, the tour reflects PLAY International’s commitment to creating opportunities that extend beyond the basketball court.
Through basketball instruction, mentorship, leadership development, and life-skills education, the organization seeks to help young people build confidence, pursue excellence, and recognize pathways to academic, athletic, and personal success.
The tour will serve youth in five communities across four regions of Guyana.
July 30 — Kwakwani | Kwakwani Basketball Club July 31 — Linden | Kid Rock Basketball Club August 3 — East Berbice-Corentyne | Skeldon Line Path Secondary School
August 4 — West Demerara | D-Up Basketball Academy August 5 — Georgetown | The Bishops’ High School
Experienced Coaching Staff
Each session will feature basketball fundamentals, advanced skill development, competitive games, leadership discussions, mentorship, and educational workshops covering personal branding, networking, financial literacy, goal setting, college preparation, and character
development.
The tour will be led by Pierre Godette, Varsity Basketball Coach at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., former Guyana National Basketball Team player, and educator with more than 20 years of coaching experience. He is joined by Mari Dortch Diaz, a former collegiate team captain and assistant coach with Pro Skills Basketball DC, and Adrian Dixon, a former varsity and collegiate player, coach, trainer, and mentor. Together, the team brings extensive experience in basketball instruction, leadership, character development, and youth mentorship.
Leadership
The tour is directed by Michaela Burnett, Founder and Executive Director of PLAY International and a former Guyana national basketball player who has supported youth development since 1994.
“Basketball has the power to open doors, build confidence, and transform lives,” said Burnett. “This tour invests in young people, strengthens communities, and helps participants recognize the opportunities education, leadership, service, and perseverance can create.”
Community Partnerships
PLAY International recognizes the schools, basketball organizations, volunteers, families, donors, sponsors, and supporters in Guyana and the United States whose partnership makes the tour possible. Special appreciation is extended to the Kwakwani Basketball Club, Kid Rock Basketball Club, Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, D-Up Basketball Academy, The Bishops’ High School, Shangri-La Gardens, Cerise Taylor, and all who are supporting facilities, meals, and lodging for participating athletes and the PLAY team.
