Prior to a rhythmical rendition by the steel band, Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds trumpeted the importance of the annual National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships in the feature address of the opening ceremony yesterday at the GDF ground.
“These championships are important in fostering our youths in the spirit of competition, goodwill, discipline and striving for excellence,” Hinds said.
The Prime Minister added that the championships are also an avenue for spotting and harnessing new talent that could possibly put Guyana on the map in the future.
“I hope during the course of these Games we will see an eventual Usain Bolt or a Michael Phelps in the next 10 to 20 years.”
Before making other remarks and declaring the 54th edition of the championships open, Hinds implored the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education, to make the annual fixture the flagship and the envy of all local sporting events.
“I would like to challenge and encourage the GTU and the Ministry of Education to make this the most national event. An event that represents all our people more than any other.”
The Prime Minister also thanked the stakeholders who helped in the preparation of the track and field athletes, swimmers and the cyclists.
“May all of your efforts be rewarded and I hope all of you display a high level of discipline and sportsmanship,” Hinds added.
With that said, Hinds declared the Games open.
“With these thoughts it gives me great pleasure to declare these Games open.”
The ceremony also included the march past of the 15 districts and the lighting of the torch by athletes from the defending champion district, District 11, all done to the rendition of steel pan music.
Brief remarks were also made by Deputy Chief Education Officer, Donna Chapman and president of the Guyana Teachers Union, Mark Lyte.
There was also a physical display by dancers of the Lodge Secondary School and the Games oaths by athletes and officials
Some major sponsors of the championships include Digicel, Courts, Giftland Office Max, DDL and Banks DIH Limited. Let the Games begin. (Emmerson Campbell)
