OFFICIAL discussions regarding the 2016 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) began yesterday at the National Sports Commission on Homestretch Avenue. Delegations from both Guyana and Suriname were present with Guyana’s delegation being headed by Director of Sport Christopher Jones.
Other members of the Guyana delegation were Dr Karen Pilgrim, Gervy Harry, Seon Erskine, Lavern Fraser and Feiona Singh Wordsworth.
The Surinamese delegation was led by their Director of Sport Lunciana Mentowikromo and his policy adviser Harvey Bang A. Foe.
According to Jones, this year French Guiana would be absent. In their stead a Caribbean territory will fill the spot, making it an IGG/Goodwill Games.
“Allocations are made in the budget for Guyana to host as well as travel abroad to either Suriname or French Guiana for the games,” Jones stated with reference to Guyana hosting IGG in 2017.
Also speaking was Lunciano Mentowikromo, who stated the games were an important part of the relations between Guyana and Suriname who are neighbours.
He also was of the opinion that the games provided an opportunity for athletes to compete on the international stage and gain exposure.
“We have also seen development in our athletes who have come up through IGG and every year the level they bring is higher,” stated Lunciano.
A new development in the work for this year’s IGG was the push for Futsal to have a place in the games.
The facilities for the various disciplines are scheduled to be examined with any works being completed in time for the games.
The IGG involves Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Athletes from various disciplines who are aged 19 and under while still in school will be making up the teams for the games. The last IGG took place in 2014.