The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) has commended the government’s significant allocation of $4.3B in the 2023 National Budget, which is also suggestive of a concerted focus on sports tourism.
This was stated during a release from the association.
According to the correspondence, the entity attributes the noteworthy increase, as a mechanism to create a positive and productive outlet for individuals to promote their intangible and tangible qualities and skills.
Gavin Singh, President of the GMMAF said, “As the president of the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation, I believe that if this funding is managed appropriately, it will have a positive impact on Guyana’s sporting fraternity, putting the country on the map locally, regionally, and internationally.”
He added,“It’s a budget that is indicative of the government’s intention to continue in the developmental scope of 2022. It also underlines their commitment to actualize development at the infrastructural and human level, which is an international best practice.
“To further support the government’s goal of sport tourism. I humbly suggest that the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, which has been arduously at the helm of Guyana’s evoking sports fraternity, increase its professional human capital to further develop and execute developmental plans for both sports and culture in Guyana.”
Singh noted that while the association is optimistic about securing the requisite sponsorship to compete in the IMMAF World Championship in Belgrade, Serbia despite facing challenges, the body is optimistic about the sport’s intended direction following several notable accomplishments in the previous year.
“In 2022, Guyana achieved several milestones in MMA, including being elected as an official voting member at IMMAF Congress, hosting a visit from the Caribbean head of IMMAF, and participating in its first PAN American Games, where it won two silver medals. The GYMMAF also launched training programmes for leadership for the Guyana Police Force and organized a youth camp for girls. Overall, the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation sees this investment in sports as a seed for progress for future generations,” he declared.
