THE first annual Go-Kart Derby was yesterday launched with the aim of returning traditional family fun days across the country. 

According to the head of the National Go-Kart Derby, Attallah Wilson, the initiative seeks to bring back an age-old tradition to Guyanese families and also to use simple materials.
“We’re encouraging youngsters to form teams and to build go-karts using recycled materials from their old bicycles like the wheels, from wood removed from the buildings, from plastic bottles, anything – any recycled materials to build these go-karts.”
Wilson indicated that they are going to kick-start their promotion of the event with an exhibition set for the Protected Areas Commission tarmac on Saturday. The exhibition will feature various karts built by persons and Wilson urged the public to come out and view the work done.
She indicated that those potential participants should not limit themselves to what they see on Saturday but be innovative.
Meanwhile, Ms Denise Fraser, Deputy Commissioner, Guyana Protected Areas Commission (PAC), told the media that they are keen on the partnership with the organisation based on the fact that it is fun, family-oriented event that will ensure that youngsters are engaged in meaningful activities.
“We are happy to partner in hosting this activity; we are very much looking forward to hosting this event starting with the workshop on Saturday.
“For the go-kart ride, it’s going to be on part of the track that is normally exercised on in the National Park and we will also be enhancing the event by providing some pony and donkey cart rides for children.”
The committee has indicated that they have several sponsors who are committed to building go-karts for persons who are unable to build and the community of Wortmanville was the first recipient.
Pastor Terrence Esseboom, who collected on behalf of the community, lauded the work of the initiative. “I’m really happy that this Initiative has been taken care of. I’m glad that sponsors have come on board to help because sometimes you know there are great initiatives but they’re not funded. So I’m glad we have foreign and local interests in it because I’m looking forward to it.
Admission for the Derby is free for spectators but participants will be charged $2 000 per entrant. They are four classes: 6-10 years division, 11-13 years division, 14-16 years old category and the Dash for Cash division which is open to all ages.
Among the sponsors are the PAC, Forbes Tyre Shop and GBR Wheel Alignment. It is being held under the theme: ‘Courage, Fun, Tradition’ and is in memory of contractor Aubrey Wilson (Sr) who was an avid go-kart fan and builder.

By Stephan Sookram