… PS says past athletes will be honoured
THE Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport (MCYS), in collaboration with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), will this morning run off its inaugural 5km road race, which is intended to involve participation of clubs, associations, community groups NGO’s and other organisations. The race which was launched at a simple press conference in the MCYS boardroom last Thursday afternoon, will also see joggers of all categories participating in keeping with the Ministry’s national sports policy in promoting healthy lifestyles for the citizens of Guyana.
Present at the launching were Director of Sport Neil Kumar, MCYS’ Permanent Secretary Alfred King, AAG president Assistant Superintendent of Police Colin Boyce and Administrator of the National Sports Commission Gervy Harry.
In his presentation, Kumar in his presentation apologised for the absence of Dr Frank Anthony, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport who was out of the country at the time of the press conference, but he noted the Minister’s interest in having this race as a major event.
He stated that this was originally in the set-up to attract the ordinary joggers and more so other athletes in promoting a healthy lifestyle and to bring out participation of community groups, clubs and association
He also indicated that the race will be a monthly one, with each race being used to the honour one of the country’s past national, long and middle distance athletics, adding that today’s inaugural race will be the opener of what will be expected to become a national event.
Boyce expressed his elation to be a part of the organising committee of the 5km race and fitness jog which will be open to one and all, adding that Dr Anthony was always interested in this race hence he is hoping to see a large participation of schools, clubs, associations, ministries and community groups.
In concluding he noted the 5km race was to be reintroduced into the AAG calendar of activities to provide competition and training for the national competitors. He wished all the participants well.
Athletes in today’s event will do so in a number of categories, beginning with junior boys and girls, male and female, masters and women 35 years and over and other groups which would include the national athletes.
King made mention of the Ministry’s policy to develop strategic sport policies and as such today can attest to one sporting discipline swimming, which has a world class facility and programme from grassroots to the professional level.
He echoed that looking at top athletes from the Caribbean and further afield, there is need for a comprehensive programme to be implemented for the training and participation of those excelling in the sport today in Guyana.
He urged the other sporting disciplines to keep abreast with the national sports policy, prepare their programmes and seek to develop the athletes in a professional manner, even as he extended best wishes to all the participants.
Meanwhile, this morning’s event starts at 06:00hrs and will proceed from the University of Guyana /East Coast Public Road Junction west into Kitty Public Road, into Carifesta Avenue, into Young Street, left into High Street into Main Street, finishing at the MCYS.