55th edition of Nationals declared open

THE need for stronger support and policies for sports in schools across Guyana was highlighted by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine and Guyana Teacher’s Union President, Mark Lyte, in their remarks as the 55th edition of National School’s Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships was officially declared open before a crowd of students and other spectators, yesterday morning at the National Stadium, Providence.

The ceremony saw spectators being enthralled by physical displays by primary school students, and the lighting of the torch by students of the defending champions, North Georgetown District 11. The ceremony was also attended by a number of prominent officials.
The event, which featured over 1500 students from 15 districts across Guyana, was lauded by Dr. Roopnaraine for being the breeding ground of many skilful athletes, and the largest event ever to bring together students and teachers across Guyana.
However more needs to be done to ensure that the abilities of promising athletes are developed and sustained. Minister Roopnaraine pledged that the government will be doing everything in its power to foster and support sports in schools, beginning with the putting in place of policies that support this initiative.
“The ministry recognises that the championships have long been the proving ground for emerging talent.
Even as we are in the process of developing our national sports policy, we will be seeking systems that identify promising athletes,” Roopnaraine said.
Citing Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as exemplar models, the Minister noted how those countries are reaping the benefits of strong sports support systems put in place starting at the school level. Roopnaraine reminded of the powerful tool that sports is in the area of building social cohesion, a point also touched on by Lyte in his remarks.
“Sports is one of the most powerful vehicles that can be used to forge national unity, which can be ultimately used to build a sense of deepened nationhood. It offers opportunities for people of different strata to work together for a common goal.” Lyte expressed.
Lyte commended the athletes for making it through to the national level, proving that they are among the country’s best in their categories, having withstood all the preceding competitions.
“Each participant would have worked extremely hard to get thus far, having faced serious competition at the varying levels. This kind of competition definitely allows us to witness Guyana’s most talented at this level, and I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate you for making it this far,” Lyte said.
Lyte spoke of the potential that Guyana had to make it far on the international stage, and like Roopnaraine noted the need for more measures to be put in place to ensure that those who can take Guyana far in sports are given the support they need.
“We need to place more emphasis on sports in schools. The time has come for sports to be firmly cemented in our national curriculum and the resources to provide support for growth and development must be made readily available. We have too many young people who can compete at the highest level of competition. We must not allow them to fall to the wayside,” Lyte declared.
Also present at the event was Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, while Regional Chairwoman for Region 4, Genevieve Allen also remarked on the importance of sports in the development of young individuals.