One week, 15 districts, three venues, one big championship, the 59th edition of the Nationals Schools Championships kicks off on November 17 with President David Granger as its official Patron.
These and other details were disclosed yesterday at the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) Hall during the official launch of the prestigious annual event.
A plethora of hardware and a year’s worth of bragging rights will be on the line when the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships is staged at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, the National Aquatic Centre and the National Park.
‘Bigger and Better’ was the unofficial theme of the fixture which brings together the top student-athletes and teachers of the 592 from the 15 districts to compete in intense rivalries.
Yesterday, the stakeholders stated that the main aim of this year is to make the staging of the event the most memorable and competitive one.
Chief Education Officer of the Ministry of Education, Marcel Hutson told those gathered that the Ministry is once again pleased to be collaborating with the GTU and sponsors to cultivate a spirit of competitiveness and camaraderie among the student athletes whose talents will be under the microscope.
Hutson then added that “this year’s event promises to be bigger and better” than years past, highlighting that Granger will be the Patron of the Championships which is just one year shy of celebrating six decades of existence.
On Day one, (November 17) action starts with the Official opening ceremony and track and field events from 17:00hrs at Leonora.
Day 2 will be highlighted with swimming and cycling at the National Aquatic Centre and the National Park. Those disciplines will commence at 09:30hrs at their respective venues.
Day 3, action returns to Region 3 at 09:30hrs for the continuation of Track and Field competition.
President of the GTU, Mark Lyte stated that the union “is ready to stage a championships with a difference.”
Lyte pointed out that over the past few years, there have been improved performances by the athletes and the officials and noted that he was confident that this year will be “bigger and better.”
He also mentioned that “with Hits and Jams Entertainment and NCN coming onboard, we wish to see live streaming and new records established during the November 17-22 Championships.”
General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald, Hits and Jams Entertainment Public Relations Officer, Aaliyah Rodrigues and Banks DIH’s Communications Manager, Troy Peters also made brief remarks.
The ’Nationals’ where stars are born will see in excess of 1500 competitors vying for medals in the three disciplines.
Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (District 10) is the reigning champion and a record 17-time winner of ‘Nationals’. (Emmerson Campbell)
