Today, the Guyana Teachers Union/Ministry of Education run 54th Annual National Schools Swimming, Cycling and Track and Field Championships open with the traditional early morning 10km road race slated to begin at 6:00 hrs.With athletes lining up just before the GT&T Earth Station on Carifesta Avenue, expect some traffic restrictions until it concludes.
The student-athletes will follow this year’s South American Road Race Classic Route – proceeding to the University of Guyana lights, turning to head back down the Rupert Craig Highway, onto Kitty Public Road, into Vlissengen Road, before swinging west on Thomas Lands and finally into the National Park to end in the area of the Children’s Monument.
At 9.00 hrs, swimmers make a splash at the National Aquatic Centre on the Railway Embankment, Liliendaal.
Then at 10:00 hrs – cyclists mount their saddles for the 25 and 40 km road races. Beginning in front Ocean View International Hotel and Conference Centre – cyclists turn just after the old gas station in Stratsphey for the shorter distance, while the seasoned and older cyclists head to Belfield.
Track and field is set for tomorrow on the Camp Ayanganna ground and weather permitting track cycling. The opening ceremony precedes all events on the day.
Meanwhile, the districts have arrived at the Games Village – located along Woolford Avenue. Four schools are being used to house the 15 districts.
Guyana Teachers Union President Mark Lyte yesterday said the Village was some 95 percent ready. Communal areas had to be set up.
Security for the entire championships will be provided by the Guyana Police and Defense Forces.
‘Security is being handled by the Guyana Police Force, specifically ‘A’ Division to provide patrols through the games village, also security at the ground will be provided by the Guyana Defense Force. Security wise I think we’re headed in the right direction,’ said Lyte who will be presiding over his first Schools Championships as President.
On Championships logistics Lyte said, ‘I wouldn’t say everything is 100 percent but we’re working with what we have and we would have loved to have everybody on board, as you know we usually have some other sponsors on board but at the launching you saw we hadn’t everybody there, but we’re working with those on board and I’m sure that the National Championships will be a good one because we’re doing all within our power.’
Of some concern – the weather pattern. Monday’s rains raised concerns over whether or not track cycling would be allowed on the GDF ground. Should this not be possible, then cyclists would be taken to the National Park.
‘As you know we have some rain this morning (Monday) and we’re hoping that the rain would go away and allow the national championship to really take a strong footing.’
North Georgetown are the overall Defending Champions. They also won the Swimming Championships. Corentyne are the Cycling champs, Upper Demerara won the Track and Field crown while West Demerara took the Teachers title.

(By Leeron Brumell)