Under the PPP/C Government, which won the leadership of this country in 1992, both the physical and organisational sports’ infrastructure have improved exponentially over the years.

As a direct result, Guyanese athletes were given greater opportunities to excel in their various disciplines; this is most evident in the unprecedented improvement in our athletes’ international performances.
The colonial masters’ approach to sports ensured that only the socially and/or financially privileged could excel in sports, and reap the benefits of athletic success on a national or international scale.
The former administration displayed a very similar attitude towards sports in Guyana. As a result, there was almost no tangible improvement in sports infrastructure or athletic performance in Guyana.
The PPP/C Government, recognising the importance of sports, immediately set about correcting these deficiencies which existed over the decades.
This Government demonstrated its commitment to our athletes when the National Sports Commission was established under the National Sports Commission Act No.23 of 1993.
The PPP/C Government’s dedication to improvement of Sports in Guyana clearly manifested itself in the construction of:
• The Guyana National Stadium which is definitely one of the best in the Caribbean.
• The International 50M swimming facilities which include a Warm up/Warm down 25M Pool. This public facility is second to none in the Caribbean. Acres of idle land were converted into a world class facility. Today, the Aquatic Centre is a State of the Art facility that will attract World Class Swimmers.
• The Synthetic 400M track and football facility is a reality and Guyanese are indeed proud of their multi-purpose facility at Leonora.
• An international Squash facility, again this facility is the best in the Caribbean and will produce World Class Squash Players.
• A state of the Art National Sports Resource Centre. Development is not only the erection and maintenance of facilities, but requires institutions for education. Our people will and must be trained in all facets of the various sports disciplines.
The commissioning of the National Sports Resource Centre marks a new beginning for sports in Guyana. This important and necessary facility will create the opportunity for athletes and other sports personalities to be exposed to information, via print and electronic media, which will take them and the various sports disciplines to the highest level.
The aesthetics and educational facility is expected to give guidance and certification to the stakeholders in sports – athletes, coaches, umpires, referees, scorers, journalists, managers, chaperons, technical persons and even the general public.
The facility houses a library, with books covering various sports disciplines which will guide all involved in modern methods of preparation and effective management, a section for online researching and a conference room which will be used for theoretical training and presentations.
The National Sports Resource Centre is, however, simply the foundation of the PPP/C Government’s vision. It is meant to be the forerunner for a National Sports Institute which is crucial to furthering the performance of Guyanese athletes on the international stage.
Maintenance of facilities
Over the years, hundreds of millions of dollars were expended to keep these facilities to acceptable standards so that training and competitions (national and international) could be accommodated.
Just a few examples – the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was nowhere near to where it is today. A rubberized floor, of international standard, was laid at the National Gymnasium; Refurbishing of the Colgrain Swimming Pool; and Upgrading of the Tennis facility.
The maintenance of these facilities has generated an enormous rise in interest and significant improvement in athletic performances. Our athletes demonstrate this with their constantly improving performances at regional and international competitions.
Community Grounds and Centres
Millions of dollars were spent in the rehabilitation, construction and maintenance of community grounds and centres throughout Guyana, thus ensuring that athletes in every area have access to proper facilities.
In some cases, these facilities are multipurpose and accommodate classes in Information Technology, academic classes, and other skills training.
National Sports Awards
In keeping with its mandate, the Government has annually rewarded Sportsmen and women, Associations, Sports Officials, Officials of the Media and Regional Sports Organisations for their outstanding performances in their respective sports disciplines. The National Sports Awards Ceremony is the best approach to say thank you and express our genuine appreciation to our top achievers in sports.
Foreign coaches
Via bilateral agreements, the Government has secured a number of qualified coaches from various countries in the field of boxing, table tennis, swimming, etc.
Inter Guiana Games
After an absence spanning many years, the Inter Guiana Games were resuscitated among French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and a state of Brazil.
The IGG which is a 19 and under competition includes sports, cultural and educational activities.
Many athletes who participated in the IGG went on to represent Guyana at the junior and senior levels.

Representing our Country in the Annual Inter Guyana Games has now become a great aspiration to many students in Guyana.

Days of Interaction
These activities are collaboration between the National Sports Commission, Regional Administrations, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, and Amerindians Councils; and are held in every region of Guyana.
Thousands of athletes from many communities participate in various sports disciplines. The Days of Interaction, engage communities across the country to highlight the importance of exercise, a healthy lifestyle and to promote the spirit of peace, unity, co-operation and cohesion.

World Challenge Day
World Challenge Day is a ‘Sport for All Movement’ in benefit of health. It has as its objectives to introduce a positive attitude towards activity by encouraging citizens to break their daily routine and practice any kind of physical activity for at least 15 minutes. Guyana is committed to participating in this annual international event and joins with the rest of the world under the theme – “Fitness for Life”, attracting thousands of school children and teachers to be involved in various exercises and physical displays and demonstrations.
Teach Them Young Summer Camps
The Teach Them Young Programme is used to encourage children and young people to be physically active during the August Vacation. The programmes are designed to provide early learning to beginners and motivate others to compete in sports. Other than practical sessions, a number of other subject areas are taught – culture and basics of sports, physical and mental preparation, recent techniques and rules, discipline and fair play, nutrition, drugs, HIV/AIDS prevention and a healthy lifestyle. Our Teach Them Young Programme exposes the very young to sports disciplines so that they can develop a positive attitude and genuine interest in sports.
Education in Sport
It is important and necessary that our athletes and officials have sound knowledge of all aspects of sports. As a consequence, many sports educational programmes were organised including:
• Sports Development for children
• Sports Management (with Grace Jackson and Ato Boldon)
• Child Protection Seminar
• Level ll FINA certificate course (with Rick Powers
• Anti Doping Workshop for coaches and team managers
• FIFA Rop Programme and Referee Workshop
• Workshop on Workplace Injuries and Prevention and Practice (with Dr. Sharmilla Roopchand Martain)
• ITTF levels 1 and 2 Coaching Certification Programmes (with Ortegga Montes)
• First ever Lifeguard Programmes – 6 Guyanese were internationally certified
• Visits to sports facilities and workshop, and practical Demonstrations for athletes and coaches during a visit by USA specialist Indoor Hurdler, Kristi Castalin.

Because of the interest, commitment and dedication to sports and its development shown by this Government, our athletes over the decades have risen from the un-encouraging levels of performances to successes at the various levels of sports. More of our athletes have participated at the highest levels of their respective sports disciplines, including the Olympics. With the vision of the Government and its positive actions, many more athletes will successfully represent this country at international games and events.
The vast majority of sports disciplines in Guyana have shown tremendous improvement – Table Tennis, Basketball, Boxing, Swimming, Cycling, Track and Field, Chess, Badminton, Rugby, Cricket, Martial Arts, Weightlifting, Body Building, Rifle Shooting, Motor Racing, Squash, Football, among others.

Physical Education and sports have been integrated as a structured part of the curriculum in schools. Sports Education is also offered at the tertiary level via the Cyril Potter College of Education. Teachers in training have the opportunity to sign up for Physical Education on a two year programme.

Sports for Life! Sports must be facilitated from the cradle to the grave. Even after death we must emulate our great achievers. To the extent, that even during pregnancy our mothers must exercise and eat appropriately to ensure that the baby is born healthy.
The PPP/C Government has a vision of a healthy lifestyle for all Guyanese. Amateur and Professional Sports MUST inspire sports for health, leisure, entertainment. Sport must become an integral part of our society and all Guyanese MUST support the Government’s vision for the future of sports in Guyana!