Guyana will be represented by a relatively large group of athletes at the 34th Hampton International Games, which is scheduled to take place May 17 and 18 at the Hasley Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago.
Stabroek Sport has learned that more than 50 local athletes from four local clubs have already registered and in some cases have already purchased their tickets.
The Hampton Games is one of the most prestigious and well-attended meets on the Caribbean athletics calendar and has in the past attracted many world renowned athletes such as Darrel Brown and Usain Bolt who currently has the second fastest 100m time (9.76s) in the world.
Guyanese athletes frequently attend these games to have a try at reducing their times on the rubberized track at the Hasley Crawford Stadium.
One of the largest contingents that have entered so far is from the Royal Youth Movement (RYM), who has already registered and purchased tickets for 20 athletes.
Coach of the RYM, Anson Ambrose, told Stabroek Sport that the meet was one of the most eagerly anticipated competitions for most of his athletes.
He said that it gave them the opportunity to compete against some of the region’s top athletes as well as some North American athletes that they see on television and aspire to be like.
Ambrose mentioned that some of the athletes that will be participating include Rhondel Adams, Jermaine Pilgrim, Japheth Hacket, Leon Bishop, Treiton Joesph, Hamere Alexander, Kaschta Otto, Phillip Drayton, Vallon Adams, Marvin Dey, Shannah Thornhill, Jevina Straker, Octavia Austin, Feona Jones, Timothy Doris, Leititia Myles, Mervin Simon and Mickel Forde.
Ambrose also said that his former club member Rhondell Alleyne who currently resides in Trinidad, will be part of the RYM squad, competing in the 100m, 200m and relays.
Although running Olympic qualifying time seems to be out of the reach for his junior athletes, Ambrose said that he expects most of the athletes to better their times.
“The exposure is usually beneficial in terms on reducing athletes’ times and he have realized during the few times that we have attended is that the experience of competing among top athletes boost their confidence,” he said.
He pointed out Joseph, Bishop, Pilgrim, Rhondell Adams, and Doris as some of the athletes that will give a good account of themselves as they have shown good form lately.
Pilgrim will be competing in the 800m and 1500m, Adams will compete in the 200m and 400m, while Bishop will be competing in the long jump.
Top junior sprinter Joseph ran his personal best (10.60s, 22.4s) at the President’s Invitational Grand Prix, and then completed a sprint double at the just concluded Inter Guiana Games in Suriname.
Doris may also be a strong contender in the boys under 17 100m and 200m, having gained experience from the 2008 Carifta Games as well as the Inter-Guiana Games.
The Progressive Youth Club (Police), is expected to have eight the athletes while Alika Morgan and Janella Jonas of the Rising Stars Athletics club.
Running Braves’ Alisha Fortune has already departed while Rawle Greeen leaves shortly.
