IGG French Guiana
Guyana recorded mixed results on the opening day of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) in Cayenne, French Guiana, following wins in swimming and table tennis but incurring defeats in basketball and Futsal.
Guyana won three gold and two silver medals, inclusive of the 4x50m medley relay, which featured Vladimir Woodroffe, siblings Patrice and Paul Mahaica, and Zara Crane in swimming. Meanwhile, in table tennis, Guyana defeated both Suriname and French Guiana in the team competition.
On the other hand, the Guyanese lost in basketball and Futsal. In basketball, the women’s team lost 20-86 to French Guiana. They will play Suriname today. Likewise, the men went down to Suriname 42-90. They will battle French Guiana today.
In Futsal, Guyana lost to French Guiana 1-7. Up to press time, Guyana locked 2-2 with Suriname in their second match.
Meanwhile, the event was officially launched on Wednesday evening at the Progt Palais Omnisports facility with the athletes parade.
Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle, who spoke on behalf of the Guyanese delegation, stated that the competition has evolved with each iteration and that will continue once the channels of communication remain open.
He further stated that comprehending the respective difficulties associated with the staging of the event, the territories that are the custodians of the event are ready and able to overcome those challenges given the significance of the competition.
The release stated, “The IGG Management Committee, which comprises Chef-de-Mission Dr. Karen Pilgrim, NSC Vice Chairwoman Christie Campbell, and veteran sports administrator Gervy Harry, among other individuals, was instrumental in the process of selecting, managing, and ensuring the logistical infrastructure for Guyana’s participation. Andrea Pamphile was also instrumental in assisting Team Guyana following their arrival in every capacity.”
Originally held in 1967, the IGG is traditionally an annual competition among the territories of Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The previous edition was staged in Suriname, with Guyana hosting the 2022 edition following a five-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
