Five youth selected to represent Guyana at international drone soccer event in California next month

The five youths who will represent Guyana at the Academic Drone Soccer World Cup & Career Fair in San Diego, California.
The five youths who will represent Guyana at the Academic Drone Soccer World Cup & Career Fair in San Diego, California.

A group of five exceptional young people has been chosen to represent Guyana at the esteemed Academic Drone Soccer World Cup & Career Fair set to take place from April 22-25, 2024, in San Diego, California.

According to a press release, this announcement originated from the Guyana Drone Soccer programme, which commenced in January 2024, enrolling 45 youths in its inaugural class.  Another class of 45 is set to begin in April. The selected individuals tasked with proudly carrying the Guyanese flag on the global stage are Zion Rambarran, Eashan Harjohn, Jad Narine, John Smith, and Mariam Browne.

The release said they have showcased remarkable skills and unwavering dedication in the domain of drone soccer, a rapidly emerging e-sport sensation worldwide. Their selection underscores their exceptional abilities and the top-tier training offered by the Guyana Drone Soccer programme.

 Operations Manager and Co-Founder Alisha Koulen, President of Guyana Drone Soccer Leon Christian, and Caleb Christian will accompany the team, providing guidance and support as they gear up to exhibit their talents against elite student drone teams from various nations, the release said. The competition places emphasis on drone piloting, aviation maintenance, communication, and strategic gameplay, with drones specifically engineered for mid-air collisions, injecting an exhilarating twist into the conventional drone racing format, it added.

Christian expressed his enthusiasm for the programme’s rapid growth and its potential to cultivate interest in aeronautical fields among Guyanese youth, the release said

“Drone soccer not only strengthens drone piloting, engineering, and strategy skills but also opens up new horizons for students across Guyana to explore their interest in the aeronautical field. We are on track to extend our programme to five regions and launch a national competition before the year’s end,” he was quoted as saying.  

The release said that the event in San Diego will serve as a focal point for international students, aviation companies, and educational institutions, all converging on the burgeoning realm of drone technology. Participants will have the unique opportunity to interact with industry leaders, partake in tours of the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and attend a formal reception featuring distinguished speakers. This global exposure not only showcases the talent and promise within Guyana’s youth but also aligns with the event’s objective to chart a new course for the drone community that advocates for international collaboration and inclusivity, it concluded.

For further details regarding the Guyana Drone Soccer team’s participation in the Academic Drone Soccer World Cup & Career Fair, please reach out to Leon Christian at 592-616-4454.