By Tamica Garnett

PACKED with a number of overseas-based athletes, including some who have never before performed in Guyana, today’s Aliann Pompey (AP) Invitational promises to be an action-packed event when it is held this afternoon at the National Track and Field Centre, at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara. Several of the overseas athletes shared how excited they are to be part of the meet. The much publicised event, which starts at 15;00hrs, will see a number of our local athletes finally getting a chance to match their mettle with their overseas counterparts, also marking the first time that many overseas Guyanese athletes will be performing on home soil.
Speaking with the media at a press conference yesterday at the Ramada Princess Hotel, a number of the overseas athletes noted they are thrilled to be a part of the event, and can’t wait for the showdown to get underway.
Overseas-based Guyanese athletes, Adam Harris and Jeremy Bascom, said they are overjoyed to finally have the opportunity to participate on home soil after having represented Guyana so many times in the past.
“I’ve run in many countries, but this is the first time I’m running on Guyana soil and I’m so very happy to be able to run in front of my home crowd and family and friends before I retire.” Bascom told the media.
Harris, who was in Guyana some years back on vacation, is glad that this time around he is here for something much more serious – to participate.
“This is my first time running on Guyana soil, which is awesome. I’m very excited to be coming back to Guyana. It has been 5 years since I have been there and what better way to come back than competing in front of family and friends I haven’t seen in a while. It is also going to be awesome to compete against more of the Guyanese athletes that we don’t get to see often as we are based overseas.”
Both Olympians, Bascom and Harris, have represented Guyana on the international scene for a number of years now and are even hopeful that they may be able to make Olympic qualifying times today.
Bascom and Harris are both set to be in the men’s 100m, while Harris will also be in the 200m
Also present at the press conference were Guyana 2016 Olympic qualifiers Brenessa Thompson and Winston George. Guyana’s other Olympic qualifier Aaliyah Abrams, who was not present at yesterday’s conference, is also set to participate today.
With athletes from 15 different countries participating, including Jamaica, USA, Trinidad and Canada, the meet is set to be Guyana’s first meet of such great proportions.
Patrons willing to witness the action can do so for an entrance fee of $1 000.