IT was indeed a historic day in Wakenaam –  May 07, 2011. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/National Sports Commission, in collaboration with Regional Administrations, Regions 2 and 3 and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Wakenaam, held its third Day of Interaction 2011. It was the first time this important event was organised in the neighbourhood. People of all races, ages and social status came from all communities of the island.  From as early as 08:00hrs persons began to gather at the Good Success Community Centre Ground in large numbers anticipating a magnificent day.
The day was not hot but cool and encouraging for the athletes, officials and the supporters who came out to cheer and urge their athletes to do well. The numerous spectators were indeed thrilled at the performances.
In each sport discipline, there was evidence of talent and skills which could be developed with proper coaching/training. The games were all played competitively which gave the supporters and all present much to shout about.
The programme attracted teams from clubs, communities and the schools which is very encouraging. It was great to watch the youngsters perform as well as the more mature ones. It was astonishing to see a primary schoolchild clearing the boundary (for six) to the amusement and satisfaction of all present.
It was also a feeling of happiness to see the participation of two amputees in the cricket matches both as wicketkeepers. These amputees are Shorab Ali and Tulchand Chapell.
The day’s activities commenced with a March Past of athletes and officials and supporters at the end of which remarks were made by Zacheer Khan, Chairman of the Wakenaam NDC, who welcomed all to the island and particularly to the Day of Interaction;  Julius Faeber, and  Ali Baksh, Regional Chairmen of Region 3 and 2 respectively, who both expressed their appreciation for the large turnout and encouraged the athletes and officials to use the games for peace, harmony and togetherness; and Dr Frank Anthony, Hon. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, who informed the gathering of government’s continued commitment towards the development of sports and sport facilities so that athletes can be in a better position to perform at higher levels.
He also alluded to the large budgetary allocation for sports in the 2011 Budget.
The minister encouraged the NDC and the Regions to come up with plans and programmes necessary for the improvement of sports and recreational activities, as a matter of urgency.
During the March Past, prizes were given for the best banner which was won by Arthurville Primary School and the largest contingent which was won by Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure.
The programme comprised of softball cricket (8 male teams, 2 female teams and 2 mixed school teams), circle tennis (2 female teams), football (3 teams), dominoes (10 teams), athletics and other novelty events.
Following are the results of semi-finals and finals.
Football
Better Success met Maria Johanna in the semi-finals and won 2-1 in an exciting penalty shootout.
In the final, Better Success were once again successful over Noitgedacht, 2-1 via penalty.
Circle Tennis
In the 40-ball affair, Maria’s Pleasure scored 121 runs and limited Maria Johanna to 106 runs thus winning by 15 runs.
Dominoes
After keenly contested preliminary rounds, the final was contested by TX (Essequibo Coast) who won with 82 games followed by Sea Walk (Wakenaam) with 71 games and All Stars (Wakenaam) taking the 3rd spot with 66 games.
Softball Cricket
Schools     –    Taking first strike, Sans Souci Primary scored 59 runs and bowled out Arthurville Primary for 32, winning by 27 runs.
Females    –    Wakenaam Queens with 25 runs defeated Wakenaam Road Warriors (9 runs) by 16 runs in the final.
Males         –    In the first semi-final, Sans Souci (47 runs) were too good for Maria’s Pleasure (16 runs).
In the second semi-final, Sans Souci Jaguars with 43 runs got the better of Zeelandia Sports Club who scored 16 runs.
The final saw Sans Souci come up against Sans Souci Jaguars in a thrilling encounter.  Sans Souci scored 48 runs in the allotted 3 overs and Sans Souci Jaguars replied with 49 runs with three balls to spare.
Athletics
Boys Under-12 100m
Rnkosi Hollingsworth won from Kester Browne.
Girls Under-12     100m
Keisa Brown sprinted her way to victory closely followed by Showana Retemyre.
Boys Under-15    100m
Shemroy Heartman edged Miles Hendricks into second place.
Boys Under-15    200m
Shemroy Heartman and Miles Hendricks were unchallenged and occupied the first and second positions respectively.
At the closing ceremony, trophies were awarded to the outstanding athletes, schools, clubs and communities by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Frank Anthony, Regional Chairmen of Regions 2 and 3, NDC Chairman and other individuals.
Sports gear and equipment were also distributed to clubs and communities to assist in the development of the various sport disciplines. Gear and equipment were handed over to the Chairman of Wakenaam NDC.
Special congratulations must be extended to the Organising Committee who did an excellent job and ensured that the Day of Interaction at Wakenaam was indeed a tremendous success.