SOUTH Georgetown/District 13 are ready and raring to go when the National Schools Championships commence on November 23 with the swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre, to be followed by a grand Opening Ceremony the following day.District manager Leon Bishop revealed that his squad is already in training for the mega event.
“Preparations are going alright, the team is already picked and the high jump athletes are training already. The other disciplines will start training tomorrow (today),” Bishop noted.
Bishop also indicated his belief that the South Georgetown District can finish in one of the top three spots overall.
“We are hoping to finish in the top five in track and field. We are looking to win the Teachers championship this year and our cycling and swimming are pretty good. We have two national champions in Alika Persaud and Donna Carter, who won gold at the Commonwealth swimming championship and they will lead the team.
“This year we should finish in the top three overall,” Bishop quipped.
Nevertheless, despite feeling confident, the South Georgetown District have already turned to a few national coaches to solidify any cracks in their team.
“We have a few loose ends but we have already got a few national coaches to work with us, in the hope of strengthening some of our weak areas, such as the jumps,” Bishop assured.
Further, Bishop noted that District 13 had a strong managerial team that can guide the squad to their desired top-three finish.
“From a managerial standpoint, we have done well so far by putting all the nitty-gritty things in place and we have also boosted our athletes’ confidence.
“Mr Langhorne of the Ministry of Education was impressed with our ‘champion of champions’ event and now it is just time to wait on the Ministry for the finance for Nationals,” Bishop mentioned.
Whether South Georgetown can challenge the powerhouse teams such as defending champs North Georgetown, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani or even East Coast, Bishop noted that his squad are “confident” and will be “ready” to compete.
The swimming contest will be held on Monday, November 23 at the National Aquatics Centre at Liliendaal. In addition to the swimming competition, two field events – long jump and shot put – along with the 10km road race, 40km and 25km cycle road races will also take place on that day.
The Games Village will be established on Woolford Avenue. Tutorial High, North Georgetown Primary and Secondary schools and Richard Ishmael Secondary will house the 16 Districts from across Guyana during the Championships.
The Games Secretariat has been officially opened at GTU Headquarters, Woolford Avenue, with Districts submitting their entries. The Opening Ceremony for the Championships is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24 at 10:30hrs.