..Minister of Amerindian Affairs compliments  athletes
FIVE middle and long-Distance track athletes from Region # 9 are in contention for places on the Guyana team for the  Junior CARIFTA Games  to be held in Bermuda from April 6-9, 2012. The athletes were in Georgetown to compete in the qualifying trials of the Junior CARIFTA Games  which was held  at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary last Thursday The athletes competed in the middle and long-distance Track events.
In the 5000M Long-Distance track event Samuel Kaitan finished first and is likely to be selected as one of the representatives for Guyana at the CARIFTA Games. The other athletes finished third, fourth and fifth places in the 1500M and 3000M track events.
Meanwhile, the athletes met with the Hon. Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Amerindian Affairs and Nigel Dharamlall, Permanent Secretary, last Friday at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Minister Sukhai complimented the youths on their participation and achievements. She expressed her appreciation to the Coach and Manager of the athletes for their efforts to guide the young athletes and stressed the need for the Coaches to also focus on academic development of sports men and women while excelling in sports.
Moreover, Minister Sukhai emphasised the Government’s commitment to the development of hinterland sports and athletes as she pledged the Ministry’s continued support for hinterland athletes, more particularly those of Amerindian origin.
Each of the five athletes and their coach were awarded a sum of $10,000 to help offset travelling and training expenses.  The Ministry also committed to help the athletes to expedite the processing of travel documents where necessary.
The five athletes are Samuel Kaitan and Beatrice David of Kattur Village, Fabiano Bell of Haiwa, Gemma Pedro of Shea Village, and Junior Stevens of Shulinab. The athletes’ ages range between 14-17 years.  The five track athletes were accompanied by their Coach.