Berbice’s Becian Stars on Wednesday afternoon retained their athletic title with 226 points ahead of Excelicius (146) and Fecund (30) in the third edition of the Inter-Federation Goodwill Relay Festival at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.
The inclement weather was no match for the local Adventist athletes who braved the weather to battle on the heavy 400-metre track. The Relay Festival witnessed some of Guyana’s best sprinters and middle distance athletes in action. The pack included 2011 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) medallists, Tevin Garraway and Ornesto Thomas, Wayne Harlequin and National Schools Championship sprinter, Kevin Abbensetts.
Becian Stars dominated in majority of the events but received some early challenges from their main rival, Excelicius. The Stars first ran away with the 4x100m U-13 girls ahead of Excelicius, but Excelicius reversed the situation on Becian Stars in the male version, with an exceptional final leg which was good enough to take the gold spot on the podium after Becian received the baton first.
Excelicius also won the Open male and U-15 girls’ 4x100m relay leaving Becian Stars in runner-up positions in both relays. Fecund came on the scene after lagging behind in majority of the relays to win the 4x100m U-17 boys before settling for third in the 4x100m U-15 girls.
Becian Stars female open team added ten points to the team’s account after winning the 4x100m. The male open team dominated in the 4x400m with the females finishing second to Excelicius.
Becian Stars continued to reign, clean sweeping in all categories of the 4x200m except the Open male 4x200m, which Fecund won.
Their rankings were no different in the 800m and 1500m medley relays. The All Age 5x100m (female) was also won by Becian; Excelicius won the male version.
Meanwhile Games Director Derill Gittens in addressing the athletes and spectators during his brief speech said the Goodwill Relay Festival is now a soothing name for athletes and sports enthusiasts. “It is here we see the best on show. It is here we have the best fun and fellowship. It is here athletes receive their reward for good sportsmanship and speed,” he said.
Gittens also acknowledged the sponsors who made the event successful. “…A big thank you to the Government of Guyana through the ministries, corporate Guyana and other private individuals who continue to support this great event towards the development of youth…,” he said.
The sponsors of the Goodwill Relay include: Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Dyna’s Embroidery and Screen Prints, Scotia Bank, Lab One-Medical Laboratory and Doctor’s Clinic, Wayne Beverage Paradise, Arctic Zone, Home Health Education Services and Mr Mark De Freitas and family.
