From Emmerson Campbell in Suriname
The second leg of this year’s Inter Guiana Games (IGG) was declared open by Suriname’s Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Ismantho Adna here at the Ismay van Wilgen Sporthal in Paramaribo yesterday.
The minister, in his address, stated that it was his pleasure to welcome the Guyanese delegation to his hospitable nation.
Adna noted that with the staging of the Games, cultural integration is fostered and “our youngsters get the opportunity to see and learn from each other’s culture.”
He also disclosed that Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony and himself have started discussions on how to cumulate more opportunities for youth development between the two nations.
The minister also encouraged the under-19 sportsmen and women to compete with a high level of passion and discipline.
In his address, Suriname’s Permanent Secretary in the Sport Ministry, Michael Watson, said that there has been great development since the rebirth of the Games 20 years ago and echoed similar sentiments to Adna.
Director of Sport, Neil Kumar thanked the Surinamese for their hospitality since arriving on Thursday and added that he was looking forward to the locals upstaging the host.
Brief remarks were also made by Suriname’s Minister of Education and Community Development Ashwin Adhin
One of the pioneers of the Games which was first started in 1967, Orlando Van Hansen was also in attendance.
This leg of the Games includes Volleyball, Basketball, Swimming and Track and Field.
Volleyball was played last night at the same venue and will continue on Sunday.
Today, Track and Field, Swimming and Basketball will take centre stage.
The athletes will heat up the Andre Kamperveen Stadium from 09:00hrs simultaneously with the swimmers at the Swimming Pool Oase. Bounce off time for the basketball games (female and male) at the Ismay van Wilgen Sporthal is 18:00hrs.
Tomorrow, track and field, volleyball and basketball will bring the curtains down on the Games at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium and the Ismay van Wilgen Sporthal respectively.
The aim of the games is to create possibilities for youths to come together and compete in different sport disciplines, focusing on better sport results and better understanding of each other’s culture.
The closing ceremony will follow at 20:00hrs at the Sporthal.
