Youth level athletics in Guyana will receive an invaluable ‘shot in the arm’ with over 200 youngsters set to benefit from the US Sports Envoy programme over the next few days at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Edinburgh, West Coast Demerara.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the United States of America Embassy and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport through the National Sports Commission and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), will see in excess of 200 youngsters soak up track and field knowledge and coaching from US Olympians, all thanks to the U.S. Sports Envoy Programme.
It was launched yesterday at the NTFC, where the Olympians began imparting the basic fundamentals required for success on the track. It will cater to two age groups, which are 10-13 and 14-17, respectively.
Olympians Khadevis Robinson and Mechelle Lewis Freeman will supervise the four-day programme.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. voiced his opinion that track and field holds a great deal of potential in Guyana, noting, “We believe that track and field is one of the areas that has one of the biggest potentials for us, especially at global events, not just the Olympics but every global event.”
Meanwhile, Robinson, during brief remarks, said, “When we look at Olympians, we see the final goal; we see people celebrating on television, but it all starts with the goal in your mind and the belief, and the support of coaches.”
The event concludes on Thursday with daily sessions at the venue, which will be a welcome developmental programme in the area of athletics.
