THEY came in their hundreds – athletes, officials, supporters, Government Ministers and Officials and Regional Officers. They came from all over the region to participate in the 5th Day of Interaction, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/National Sports Commission.

The activity was held at the Mecca of Cricket in Guyana, Port Mourant Community Centre ground, last Sunday.

From as early as 08:00 h, persons began assembling from various communities. The pavilions were packed to capacity. Inside the building was overcrowded. People were seen everywhere.

At 09:30 h, the athletes and officials assembled for the March Past. It was a SPECTACLE as 16 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and three Municipalities of Region 6 displayed colourful and well-prepared banners.

The athletes paraded around the Port Mourant Community Centre ground in the presence of a large and appreciative crowd which included the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, Director of Sport Neil Kumar, Regional Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha, Regional Culture, Youth and Sport Officer. Omeshwar Sirikishun and other Regional Officers.

Minister Anthony expressed satisfaction at the large turnout from the various NDCs. He said that the Day of Interaction is achieving its objective of bringing people closer together, and this will help to make the society more cohesive.

Brief remarks were made by the Minister, Director of Sport and the Regional Chairman, all of whom thanked and praised those who were involved in the organising and planning of the day’s activities.

Pronouncements on plans to provide and improve sport facilities for the encouragement and development of sports in Region 6 were made and received thunderous applauses from all and sundry.

Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee attended the activities and interacted with the gathering.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport also held an HIV/AIDS Project which highlighted HIV/AIDS and Healthy Lifestyle Awareness.

The activity took the form of simple questions, rhymes and distribution of flyers. Sports gear and equipment were presented to persons who were lucky while participating.

Mr Abbass Mancey of UNFPA was in attendance and held a rap session with some three hundred young people on community organising and HIV/AIDS.

Participants in the various sport disciplines were very competitive and spectators enjoyed themselves and were kept them on their feet.

All the disciplines were played at a high standard. The ladies were not outdone as they displayed great knowledge, skills and commitment.

Of note, a catch, taken by Ms Melanie Henry of No. 68 Village, reminded us of the likes of Vivian Richards, Ricky Ponting and Jonty Rhodes who took such catches as the highest level of cricket. Of course all went wild. None was able to hold back his/her appreciation.

Was there a dull moment? No! Never!

Was there excitement? Yes! For Ever!

So intriguing, interesting and exciting were the events that the venue remained packed until the conclusion of the day’s activities!

At the Presentation ceremony trophies were awarded to the winners and runners-up. Sports Gear and equipment were distributed to high performers, clubs, schools and communities.

Results of the Finals are as follows:

Softball Cricket (Male)

Fyrish with 34 runs defeated Gibraltar who scored 32 runs. 20 teams participated.

Softball Cricket (Female)

Auchlyne 26 for 2 from 2 overs defeated No.68 Village – 24 for 4 from 2 overs. 10 teams participated.

Volleyball

Guysuco Training Centre got the better of Port Mourant 21 points to 18. Six teams participated.

Table Tennis

Shadeo emerged as the winner with Bhajrag Singh occupying the runner-up position. 36 persons were involved.

Chess

Steve Long of New Amsterdam won from Wayne De France of Belvedere. 26 persons took part.

Dominoes

Rose Hall Town won with 44 games from Canje 37½ games and Albion 37 games. 7 teams were involved.

Football

Eversham defeated No.51 Village by 3 goals to 2. 4 teams played.

Circle Tennis

Port Mourant edged out No.52 in a closely contested match. 5 teams participated.