The national schools athletics championship is scheduled for November 9 -12. District 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) has won the champion of champions 14 out of 15 times. As the Ministry of Education celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Region 10 officials say it would be significant for the region to claim the title once again. Stabroek News spoke with the man in the street about their thoughts on the district winning the title and this is what they had to say.
Bernadette Torres – I think Linden would win this year making it their fifteenth on the 50th anniversary of the Ministry of Education. I have been coming to the local competitions throughout the season and I see some really good performances. I know that they are going to do of their best for the region and with all the support that they are getting the win is sure. So go Region 10 bring home the championship trophy again this year.
Lance Rose – I could speak for the cycling aspects of the champ
ionship, we have an excellent chance at winning the cycling especially the under 14, under 16 and the open. It is no doubt that we got the best. Most of the cyclists are from the Linden bauxite flyers club and they are active cyclists who have been training all year long. They have been having lots of competitions so they are well prepared. So I am sure that we are dominating in the cycling events in the country so we got them at the top when it comes to cycling.
Dwayne Will – From observing from the last 14 or 15 years I hope that we continue along that line with the same enthusiasm and team spirit that we could bring it home. It is possible because we have all the qualities; we have all the tools so it is possible. I don’t be around much to know what is being put in place to enhance their preparedness but over the years I know that we have been strong within that area and I don’t think anything would change on that.
Karen Morrison – Well I have a lot of confidence in Region 10 because for now we are doing very well. We have done well for the past number of years and I think that we would do even better this year. As a former athlete I am following them up at every stage to give my support because I know after training the next most important thing is support so I a supporting them every step of the way. The girls and boys are doing very well and I have a lot of confidence in them. It’s Region Ten all the way and happy 50th to the Ministry.
Camelle Gordon – I thing we are coming stronger and better this year Guyana. Linden has a reputation of putting their all into things and with that spirit these children are bound to make the region proud. We the non participants we do our part by supporting them and giving them the courage they need. This year it’s a big thing because the Ministry is going to be scoring a half century better yet we got to bring it home. Our children here in the region know how to work hard and at the same time they know how to play hard too. So I have faith in them and so does the rest of Linden. God is in charge of everything that we do and he will continue to take charge.
Gilbert Morrison – Region 10 always comes out successful but I think this year they have a better chance because I have seen them training for the past months and when I check some of the inter house sports I recognize that they have a quality of athlete that would enable them to be successful at the upcoming championships that they have in the new month at the National Stadium. As an old national athlete I want to wish them good luck.
Wayne-Wright Bethune – This year I think we stand a very good chance at winning. If I am not mistaken I think that the records show that over the past fifteen years we have won fourteen times in the champion of champions so obviously the statistics would be consistent. Because of this Region 10 has a good chance of retaining the prime spot. The team is very strong in the different age groups and they just need to stay focused and not to be over confident and compete. They are weak in some areas like in the under 20 female category but overall they are strong.
Rawle Wagner – From past experience we know Linden always produces mostly the best athletes and that’s not just word of mouth. The history records show that so that’s the chance we have and we are going with that. We are from the mining town so we always do the best. Winning the championship to coincide with the Ministry of Education’s 50th anniversary would be a commendable thing so these kids with our backing can do it. I am happy to hear that the RDC is supporting in a bigger way this year and even the Linden Fund as well.
Jacqueline Kitt – it was announced at the last statutory sitting of the RDC that the championship this year is being supported in a bigger way this year, the Linden Fund USA is on board in a big way, local businesses are throwing in their lot all in an effort to motivate our team. Over the years the championship has been ours and we are bringing it home again this year. There is nothing like support so I want to challenge all residents to flood the National Stadium and give these capable kids our support. They will do and we will celebrate in a big way with them.
