Sports events in Guyana have been given the green light to resume under the new COVID-19 measures and the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) plans to run off meets in two weeks.
The AAG is currently putting plans in place to start its 2020/2021 calendar of activities on November 15 with two Cross Country events in Linden and New Amsterdam. Plans are also afoot to stage the South American 10K road race on November 29.
This is according to President of the association, Aubrey Hutson.
Hutson told this publication yesterday that the two Cross Country events will run simultaneously but will cater for athletes in the different geographical areas.
While the AAG is elated by the lifting of the suspension on sports activities, the body intends to conduct all of its activities under the strict COVID-19 guidelines.
According to the new measures, sports events are permitted, subject to the approval of the Minister of Health and in compliance with any guidelines that the Ministry of Health may issue.
Said Hutson “We will continue to advise our athletes to practice social distancing and the wearing of masks as much as possible. We have implored to them to be cautious during the pandemic because it is not over as yet; but our athletes are starved for competition and we see it as timely that they would have lifted the suspension of sporting activities.”
Hutson noted that the association has made an application to Track and Field’s governing body, World Athletics to host the South American 10k on November 29.
“This event has become a staple of Track and Field in Guyana, so we are looking to have our South American 10K on November 29 and it will more than likely be among local athletes alone.”
Hutson then said the following when quizzed on the feedback he has received from coaches and athletes on the resumption of sports activities “I think all the coaches and the athletes have been overjoyed since we have gotten this notice that we can return to competition. However, I must emphasize that we will be enforcing the COVID-19 guidelines given to us by World Athletics as it relates to the necessary testing that must be done for athletes prior to competition, the rules we must observe during competition and where necessary the distancing of spectators in venues and insisting that they come to the venue wearing a mask” he concluded. (Emmerson Campbell)
