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CHAIRMAN of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Conrad Plummer yesterday called on the athletes to forget the language barrier and remember the goodwill of the people, be very competitive and let ‘Fair Play’ be the ultimate goal of the first leg of the Inter-Guiana Games which was declared open by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall yesterday. “We welcome each and every one of you as our brothers and sisters and thank you for coming here and taking your time to participate in the first leg of these games. The only way we can continue to blend and mould each other and bind ourselves into one is if we get to understand each other. Languages may separate us, but the goodwill of the people is what will keep us together … medals may be your objectives, but alongside of that, remember the Fair Play Award and on behalf of all of Guyana, every Guyanese, all the athletes and officials, I give you a hearty welcome to Guyana.”
Plummer’s audience included Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Suriname’s Minister of Education Ismanto Adna, Guyana’s Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretaries of Guyana and Suriname, Alfred King and Michael Watson, Director of Sport Neil Kumar who chaired the proceedings, the athletes and officials from both Suriname and Guyana.
Minister Adna informed his audience of the improved relationship between Suriname and Guyana since the commencement of Guyana’s eastern neighbours’ new Government, adding that regional integration is very high on the agenda of the Surinamese government.
“The IGG are therefore one of the best opportunities for our students to meet, share and compete in a healthy and sportive way. The games over the years have proved to be an important event to support the development of school sports in the Guianas.
“We fully support this Under-19 school event and will keep working towards ways to improve the quality and level of the Games,” said Adna.
He reminded his audience that Suriname holds the portfolio for Community Development and Cultural Cooperation including Youth, Sports, Gender and Culture in CARICOM.
“To guarantee the continued development of this portfolio, a Regional Sports Academy was established in Suriname and recently, students from Suriname and Guyana were offered scholarships in basketball at the Impact Basketball Academy in Florida, where at least two of them advanced to the University with scholarships,” stated Adna.
He charged the representatives of both Suriname and Guyana to demonstrate pride and conviction of what they are doing right, while saying they are expected to continue doing that with their heart and soul, love, honour and respect and reminding them at the same time to keep the Games alive.
Dr Anthony said it was his regret that French Guiana was not present at the first leg of the Games, which faced several hiccups that were overcome in order for the Games to go on as planned.
“We are not only getting closer in sports, but in culture as well and next week a 60-man delegation from Guyana will be venturing over to Suriname to participate in that country’s CARIFESTA celebrations.
“I must say that we welcome the move by Suriname to establish the Regional Sports Academy and while we had challenging times in organising the 20th edition of the IGG since it’s resuscitation in 1993, we overcame those challenges to host the Games here today.”
Prime Minister Hinds charged the athletes and officials to reflect on the history of the three Guianas who were at one time the prize in the eyes of the European countries. He then declared the Games open.
The athlete’s oath was taken by Guyana’s Jessica Simpson while Merton Blake did so on behalf of the officials, following which the hoisting of both flags and the playing of the national anthems was done along with an interpretive dance from the National School of Dance, before the table tennis aspect served off at 12:00hrs.
Plummer’s audience included Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Suriname’s Minister of Education Ismanto Adna, Guyana’s Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretaries of Guyana and Suriname, Alfred King and Michael Watson, Director of Sport Neil Kumar who chaired the proceedings, the athletes and officials from both Suriname and Guyana.
Minister Adna informed his audience of the improved relationship between Suriname and Guyana since the commencement of Guyana’s eastern neighbours’ new Government, adding that regional integration is very high on the agenda of the Surinamese government.
“The IGG are therefore one of the best opportunities for our students to meet, share and compete in a healthy and sportive way. The games over the years have proved to be an important event to support the development of school sports in the Guianas.
“We fully support this Under-19 school event and will keep working towards ways to improve the quality and level of the Games,” said Adna.
He reminded his audience that Suriname holds the portfolio for Community Development and Cultural Cooperation including Youth, Sports, Gender and Culture in CARICOM.
“To guarantee the continued development of this portfolio, a Regional Sports Academy was established in Suriname and recently, students from Suriname and Guyana were offered scholarships in basketball at the Impact Basketball Academy in Florida, where at least two of them advanced to the University with scholarships,” stated Adna.
He charged the representatives of both Suriname and Guyana to demonstrate pride and conviction of what they are doing right, while saying they are expected to continue doing that with their heart and soul, love, honour and respect and reminding them at the same time to keep the Games alive.
Dr Anthony said it was his regret that French Guiana was not present at the first leg of the Games, which faced several hiccups that were overcome in order for the Games to go on as planned.
“We are not only getting closer in sports, but in culture as well and next week a 60-man delegation from Guyana will be venturing over to Suriname to participate in that country’s CARIFESTA celebrations.
“I must say that we welcome the move by Suriname to establish the Regional Sports Academy and while we had challenging times in organising the 20th edition of the IGG since it’s resuscitation in 1993, we overcame those challenges to host the Games here today.”
Prime Minister Hinds charged the athletes and officials to reflect on the history of the three Guianas who were at one time the prize in the eyes of the European countries. He then declared the Games open.
The athlete’s oath was taken by Guyana’s Jessica Simpson while Merton Blake did so on behalf of the officials, following which the hoisting of both flags and the playing of the national anthems was done along with an interpretive dance from the National School of Dance, before the table tennis aspect served off at 12:00hrs.
