REGION One (Barima-Waini) last Friday demonstrated their physical prowess when they ran away with the second place trophy and $30,000 in the National Physical Education Championships 2015 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue.The event which marks the 16th annual National Physical Education Championships was conducted over two days, last Thursday and Friday, to commemorate Guyana’s 49th Independence anniversary.
Region One, with a spirited and fantastic display in the Secondary Schools presentation of ‘Combinations’ amassed 123 points, a close brush away from the first prize winner, St. John’s Secondary with 123.5 points. Harmonie Secondary of Region Three placed third with 117 points. Overall six secondary schools participated in the ‘Combinations’ category.
Hundreds of students participated with representation from all ten administrative regions. Schools participated in the following categories: Jump Rope, Skip-B-Fit and Pyramids, along with a few ‘Combinations’ for Secondary Schools. Region One competed in the ‘Combinations’ (3-balance), displaying impressive and complicated balance.
The objectives of this exercise are to expand the scope of Physical Education in schools; promote good sportsmanship among students and teachers; display the talents of children of primary and secondary schools from all Regions; and celebrate the 49th Independence Anniversary of Guyana through the Expressive Arts.
All the schools participating in the national championships would have participated in the Regional Championships held last February and therefore qualified for entry at this level.
The National Schools Physical Display Championships began as a part of the Children’s Mashramani Events in 1992. The competitions involved a display of acrobatic movements put together for its aesthetic expression.
Over the years, schools displayed a growing interest in this aspect of the programme, making it difficult to manage during the busy Mashramani Events. Thus, in 2005, it was separated from the Children’s Mashramani programme and made an individual National Event to be held during Independence, the ministry said.
And in his addres to the gathering, Minister of Education, Dr. Roopnarine said that this year, the ministry will be focusing on Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary (in 2016), adding, “So this will be the beginning of a year-long preparation for a mega event. He described the event as a ‘test’ of the participants’ co-ordination, integration and physical skills.
Meanwhile, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Education Officer, Region One, Mrs. Doreen Roberts was elated over her students’ performance. She said the region will now be going back to the drawing table to start moulding younger students (aged 6-9) from Grade 1 upwards to the secondary department.
Roberts said the Regional Education Department places much emphasis on physical education, starting from Grade 1 and working their way to Grade 9. “Once we spot the talent, we will go after it and work robustly with the children,” she said.
At Hosororo, for example the students have excelled in athletics, football, cricket and physical education.
Commenting on setbacks, she observed that even though the coach, Ms. Alicia Wong did a wonderful job of training for the championships, the region lacks trained expertise. They are hoping for an Allied Arts Unit, since the region has the talent, and feels that with technical expertise they can get excellent performance.
Following the championships, the students were taken on a tour of the Marriot Hotel on Saturday and to dinner at the New Thriving Restaurant on Saturday evening. They were scheduled to head back to Region One early yesterday morning.
Meanwhile, the group would like to express appreciation to Ms Lorraine Banker-King, Co-ordinator of the Department of Education for facilitating their meals and accommodation while in Georgetown.

By Shirley Thomas