Despite the confirmed non-participation of French Guyana, the 2016 edition of the Inter-Guiana Games was officially launched yesterday by the National Sports Commission (NSC) at the entity’s Homestretch Avenue Headquarters.
The event, which will run from October 21st-23rd, will feature seven sporting disciplines, basketball, volleyball, track and field, badminton, futsal, table tennis and swimming.
Ivan Persaud, Chairman of the NSC, said yesterday that the event seeks to create an avenue for local students to be a part of an international tournament.
“Other than our national schools championships, we have very little for our amateur athletes to actually fend against opponents from other countries,” he said.
“The National Sports Commission is very pleased to launch this 2016 championship and we are very happy to know that we have got support from all the associations who are providing us with teams that are well capable of representing Guyana and I’m hoping for once that we actually win this leg of the tournament.”
Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, said the event was formed as a partnership amongst the nations and has been maintained over the years.
“The Inter-Guiana Games was first held in 1967 and of course it was the brainchild of Forbes Burnham. At that time he would have put up a trophy for the under 17 students to participate in a football tournament.
“Ever since these games have been continuing. The Inter-Guiana Games seek to have Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana participate in a friendly tournament of which our student have an opportunity to participate,” he added.
Meanwhile, Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager Louana Abrams said the company was always willing to support the development of sports and youth.
“Of course we jumped at this opportunity because it’s central to our company’s objectives of youth and community particularly in the area of sports,” she declared.
“We like to extend a big congratulation to the National Sports Commission for extending this invitation for us to be onboard,” she added.
To date, the athletics and the table tennis associations have already shortlisted their roster for the championship.
