… 270 athletes to participate

AT least 270 athletes are set to compete on the track and in the field this weekend at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora, West Coast Demerara, when the Guyana Overseas-Based Sports Association (GOBSA) runs off its fourth Annual Independence Track and Field Meet.

The meet will see high quality competition on tomorrow and Sunday with 273 athletes already registered from as young as the U-10 age group.

Speaking at the pre-competition press conference yesterday at the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) head office, president Aubrey Huston opined that the sheer number of registered athletes would make for enthralling competition.

David Thomas, GOBSA president, also noted that the meet will ideally serve in helping to identify young talent as Guyana prepares to host the 2021 CARIFTA Games.

Meanwhile vice-president Gordon Lewis had high praises for Anisha Gibbons, Guyana’s first U-17 javelin female gold medallist at the recent CARIFTA Games.

Gibbons was the recipient of two female javelins, courtesy of former national thrower Patrick Harding, in conjunction with GOBSA.

This is the first time the 14-year-old will be able to train with the right javelin as she continues her journey as a national athlete.

Andrew Forester Lumber, Banks DIH Limited, National Sports Commission and Guyana Community of Service are the notable sponsors.

Clubs and their number of registered athletes:

Guyana Police Force (74), Hopetown Flames of West Berbice (24), New Amsterdam (12), Running Brave (58), Ruralites (9), Super Upcoming Runners (19), Titans United of East Bank (3), University of Guyana (13) and Upper Demerara Schools (23).

Action will start at 10:00hrs both days.