Athletes from the Rupununi region are scheduled to participate at the Golden Mile championships billed for March 12th at the National Park Circuit, Thomas Lands.
This is according to a release from event coordinator, Edison Jefford. According to the correspondence, notable indigenous leader Mark Rodrigues, has confirmed the participation of several junior and senior athletes from the region.
Rodrigues stated, “We are waiting on the confirmation of some athletes from the Deep South (of the Rupununi) and once we confirm those, we will be coming out in advance to get some training in at the venue. We are looking forward to this event because we know our athletes can make a big impact.”
He added, “Our athletes have been asking for opportunities such as this to come and showcase their talents to the nation and we are happy that Jefford is providing it for them. We know that our athletes will give them a run for their money. As it is now, we are looking at eight athletes coming out, but we will confirm the exact numbers when we register next week.”
Customarily, athletes from Rupununi have excelled and dominated the middle and long distance events on local soil, with several having represented Guyana on the regional and international circuit.
Meanwhile, Jefford stated that the vision is to craft a premier event for middle distance athletes. He noted that the local governing authority, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), which has sanctioned the competition, has committed to utilising the Professional Meet Management System and its timing protocols and structure to enhance its management.
He explained, “We will have all our mechanics in place, live entertainment; our finish line will be professionally done in line with International standards; we will have branding and decor; we believe that we are putting Guyana on show and our athletes on show so everything will be professionally done; we will leave no stone unturned.”
