The sum of 37 under-20 athletes have been named for a National Elite Camp, which is expected to start January month’s end once all the logistics are formalized and the list is ratified by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) among other key stakeholders.
According to a press release, the aim of the elite camp is to have the athletes together every weekend for training leading up to the 2017 CARIFTA Games in mid-April, with the hope of generating consistent improvement.
Thirty-two of the athletes competed at the just-concluded Nationals while five, who are seasoned national athletes did not.
Edison Jefford, a Commissioner on the National Sports Commission who identified the athletes, noted that the list will be sent to the AAG for concurrence.
Jefford further noted that, “It is hoped that the AAG, the National Sports Commission and government partner in a substantial way to facilitate the training and development of these athletes since they will form the core of a national team for the CARIFTA Games,”
He added that for the initiative to reap rewards in the form of medals at the Caribbean’s premier track and field competition, a national effort where all differences are cast aside must be top priority.
Meanwhile, Jefford said that all senior Coaches should be invited to assist in training the athletes. He named Wanda Richmond, Johnny Gravesande, Julian Edmonds, Mark Scott and Rawle Griffith among the possible candidates for the coaching panel.
Stabroek Sports attempted to contact AAG president Aubrey Hutson but was told that he is out of the country and attempts to contact other members of the AAG proved futile.
The athletes identified for possible national selection are:
