In excess of 4500 of the world’s best athletes have begun to descend in Birmingham, England for 11 days of jam packed sporting action during the Commonwealth Games, Guyana’s athletes included.
The local sports standouts along with officials and support staff were part of the contingents which arrived yesterday in the United Kingdom’s second biggest city ahead of the 22nd edition of the Games which kicks off on Thursday with the grand opening ceremony.
Along with the 32 sportsmen and women, coaches, officials, media and medical staff numbering 16, comprises Guyana’s 48-member outfit.
Team Guyana will compete in the following disciplines at the games which concludes on August 8: athletics, which will be represented by 10 persons; boxing (3); cycling (one); swimming (4); squash (4), badminton (2) and table tennis (8).
Meanwhile, the Golden Arrowhead was officially hoisted in the Athlete’s Village in Birmingham, when a welcome reception was hosted for the 72 Nations competing at the event, formally known as the British Empire Games.
Chef-De-Mission, Dr Karen Pilgrim, was joined by the two physiotherapists Jada Edghill and Vanessa Wickham, along with General Team Manager Nalini McKoy, Press Attache’ Rawle Toney and Squash Coach Garfield Wiltshire at the ceremony.
Dr Pilgrim presented a token on behalf of the Guyana Olympic Association to the Mayor of the Games village, while lauding the Commonwealth Games and various committees for the support given to Guyana
The Commonwealth Games is an international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930, and, except in 1942 and 1946, takes place every four years.
According to the organizers, 72 nations and territories will be participating in Birmingham 2022. Around 6,500 athletes and team officials will make their appearance at this event.
