THEY came in the hundreds – athletes, officials, supporters, government ministers and officials as well as regional officers.
They came from all parts of the region as far as Siparuta in the Corentyne River to participate in the 1st Day of Interaction, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/ National Sports Commission and Region Six Administration.
The activity was held at the Pilgrimage of Cricket in Berbice, 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 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 Six displayed colourful and well prepared banners.  Contingents were properly uniformed.
The athletes paraded around the Port Mourant Community Centre ground in the presence of a large and appreciative crowd which included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport,  Alfred King, Director of Sport Neil Kumar, Regional Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha, Regional Culture, Youth and Sport Officer,. Omeshwar Sirikishun and other Regional Officers.
Also in Berbice and at the impressive Opening Ceremony was PPP General Secretary and Member of Parliament, Donald Ramotar.
Prizes were awarded for the best banner, uniformity and the largest contingent.
The officials expressed satisfaction at the large turnout from the various NDCs and Municipalities.  They 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.
Pronouncements on plans to provide and improve sport facilities for the encouragement and development of sports in Region Six were made and these received thunderous applause from all and sundry.
Before the commencement of the activities, the gathering was entertained with martial arts displays by the Port Mourant Martial Arts Group.
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee during the day attended the activities and interacted with the gathering.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony joined the activity later in the day and was treated to high-class performances.
The sport disciplines were all very competitive and held the rapt attention of those who were present and were kept on their feet.
All the disciplines were played at a high standard.  The females were not outdone as they displayed great knowledge, skills and commitment.
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 unto the Presentation Ceremony where trophies were awarded to the winners and runners-up.  Sports gear and equipment were distributed to high performers, clubs and communities.
Results of the Finals are as follows:
1.    Softball Cricket (Male)
Eighteen teams participated. Whim/Bloomfield NDC defeated Madia/Tarlogie NDC in a close finish.
2.    Softball Cricket (Female)
Ten teams participated. Macedonia/Joppa NDC got the better of Crabwood Creek NDC in a game which went down to the wire.
3.    Volleyball
Port Mourant Training Centre defeated Jaguars of Port Mourant in the final.  Letter Kenny took third position.
4.    Table Tennis
This discipline attracted 20 entries including one female. 
In the Junior Category, Brydon Murray was the champion with Joshua Lalbachan taking the second position.  Both players are from New Amsterdam. 
In the Senior Category, first place went to Shurwain Sahdeo and second place to Ian Bagot, both of Port Mourant.
The lone female, Geneane Kellman received a special prize.
5.    Chess
Twenty-two participants entered for this event.  Kriskal Persaud won the competition with five points (maximum) while Dane Grimmond was second with four points.
6.    Domino
Of the fourteen teams entering, No. 28 Bush Lot/ Adventure emerged winners with Macedonia/Joppa placing second.
7.    Football
Unfortunately, because of the very many entries for the respective disciplines, time ran out and football was not played. However, as not to cause de-motivation, all the teams were each presented with a football.
8.    Circle Tennis
Six teams entered the competition.  Corriverton Town Council defeated Port Mourant Training Centre.
9.    Draughts
After a lengthy competition Mahadeo Seusankar came out as champion followed by Samaroo.

10.    Track and Field 800m Female Open.
Nine athletes started.  Melissa Albert, Toneisha Solomon and Geleica Stanley occupied the first three positions.

1500m Female Open
Toneisha Solomon brought first while Geleica Stanley brought second.

11.     800m Male Open
Seven athletes started. Pierre Tello brought first, Dwayson Watson second and James Rahaman third.
1500m Male Open
Arsenio Gray was not challenged by his male colleagues and therefore won the trophy in this category.
Port Mourant NDC won the prizes for the Best banner, uniformity and the largest contingent.
At the closing ceremony, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony informed the gathering of the Ministry’s plans for the development of sport in the schools and communities.
He encouraged all the NDCs and Municipalities to be prepared to put systems in place so that they will be in a proper position to identify schools and communities which have excelled in sports.