MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) Dr Frank Anthony has issued a passionate appeal for more support to be given to Athletics in Guyana, doing so at the presentation ceremony for last Sunday’s Independence half- marathon race.

Dr Anthony appealed to the public to throw full support behind having regular marathon competitions, noting it is the key to ensuring that Guyana develops very successful athletes who will be able to proudly and successfully represent the country at a higher level.
Dr Anthony’s appeal came after he expressed the view that his Ministry is prepared to cooperate with anyone to ensure that more and regular competitions are held, adding the MCYS will stage a marathon in November and they are committing to offer US$1 000 to the winner.
He also said that plans will be aggressively pursued to ensure that an event is held every month, geared at providing more opportunities for athletes to better develop and harness their skills.
“What we will do is hold an activity each month whereby we can stage a 5k, 10k and half-marathons at various venues in Guyana so that there can be regular competitions for our athletes,” the Minister said.
He stressed that regular athletics competitions will serve to bring about a holistic development among athletes noting that with a significant number of persons completing the gruelling race is an indication that the athletes are determined, committed, disciplined and dedicated to their task ahead.
“I am very pleased with the response to this competition and I want to state that we at the Ministry are prepared to work along with anyone or organisation in staging more events like these as we recognise that it can and will help in developing our young athletes,” he added.
Minister Anthony alluded to the fact that implementing more competitions will not only benefit the athletes themselves but will serve to increase the public’s confidence while strengthening the relationship with parents, the workplaces and the community in general.
He declared that while the half-marathon took some three hours to complete plans will be implemented so that a full marathon can be executed.
In reiterating Government’s support, Dr Anthony declared that they are going to continue giving the Athletics Association of Guyana and the National Sports Commission every essential and full support thus ensuring that both organisations achieve their set objectives.
The Half-Marathon first was held in 1967 and was an annual event until it had a 16-year hiatus before being resuscitated in 2012 by Dr Anthony and was won by Cleveland Forde in the male category and Euleen Josiah-Tanner in the female category, with both winners successfully defending their titles this year.