Hannibal Gaskin was the first athlete to represent the Golden Arrowhead in the field of swimming when the Central American and Caribbean games got underway in Mexico yesterday.

According to President of the Guyana Hockey Board who is also coach of Guyana’s women’s hockey team that is a part of Guyana’s contingent, the Games’ opening ceremony set the tone for a spectacular Games as the hosts, Vera Cruz, put on a dazzling display of music, pageantry, lights and fireworks.
The games were then officially opened by Cabinet Secretary, Senior Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, who welcomed the participants and visitors and encouraged a spirit of competitiveness and togetherness.
The finale threw the crowd into further frenzy as it was capped off by a surprise performance from international Latin superstar Ricky Martin.
The Guyanese contingent was well represented by chef-de-mission, Deion Nurse, flag bearer Gabriella Xavier of hockey and the small but vociferous contingent of Guyanese athletes.
With the games being open, it is now down to business for the athletes as competition began yesterday.
For team Guyana, young Hannibal Gaskin was first to compete in the sport of swimming as he took to the pool in the 50m and 100m butterfly events (results are still to be provided).
The table tennis team event was also to take place yesterday morning as the Guyanese team awaits the final draw to determine their opponents.
In hockey, the Guyana ladies were to take on semi-finalists of four years ago, the Dominican Republic, in their opener at 13:00hrs (12:00hrs Guyana time).
See results in tomorrow’s edition.