Funding for the South American U-20 Championships have been trickling in at the 11th hour but the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) is still “very much in the red” ahead of the two-day event which starts tomorrow.
This is according to President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson.
Hutson, who made the comments yesterday via telephone, told Stabroek Sport that in excess of $9 million is still needed to blanket the cost of the prestigious fixture which will be hosted for the first time in the 592.
“We are still under the budget but we are also still awaiting funds from the Government and other corporate sponsors who have promised to lend support.”
Hutson added “We hope to be in the clear once these commitments are made, I am staying positive and hopefully we are going to make this meet a success.”
Meanwhile, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) yesterday presented cheques totaling $1.4 million in support of the Championships which will be hosted at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
At a simple presentation ceremony held at the local organising committee’s office on Light Street, the GOA, represented by Vice President Godfrey Munroe, handed over a cheque for $1 million, while GTA Director, Indranauth Haralsingh presented one for $400,000. Collecting on behalf of the AAG was Hutson, who conveyed how grateful the body was for the support for such an important event.
In excess of 300 athletes and officials from the 13 nations in the South American Athletics Confederation (CONSUDATLE) are scheduled to participate in the meet which is being hosted for the first time in Guyana since its inception in 1959.
Guyana’s team of 50 athletes represents the largest contingent of track and field athletes to ever wear Guyana’s colours at any international meet. Guyanese are encouraged to come out in their numbers and support their team. Tickets are available across the country for $500
The event will begin at 06:00hrs daily with the 10k walk races.
