…President Granger says as he declares open 20th Upper Mazaruni District Games 

PRESIDENT David Granger said that sport can be an important tool for social development as it bridges gaps and brings together people of all backgrounds. It is for this reason, he said, that his Administration is working on the formulation of a National Sports Policy, which aims at utilising sport to harness the personal, social and economic development of our peoples and to become a guidebook for cooperation among regions and improving relations with external states. The Head of State made these remarks yesterday in his address to residents of the Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), where he declared open the 20th Annual Upper Mazaruni District Games, which is being held at the Kamarang Sports Ground. “These games are pointing Guyana in the right direction. These games are an excellent example of what I believe in… Sport can be a tool for economic development.

It can create employment, stimulate business and attract tourists… That policy will help to ensure that the people of not only the Upper Mazaruni, but of all of Guyana could bring their talents to bear to improve their lives and to improve the quality of life of the whole country. We want to see in this National Sports Policy, every region doing what the Upper Mazaruni is doing here,” he said. These sentiments were shared by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams, who said that these games have the capacity to propel tourism development in the Upper Mazaruni. She explained that if the organisers continue to expand the games by attracting athletes from more communities and if village leaders could work to put in place the necessary amenities such as proper accommodation, then the potential for tourism development would be vast.President Granger assured that the Government stands ready to work with citizens to unlock their talents, skills and organisational abilities, which have ensured that these games are held year after year. To this end, the Ministry of Education presented cheques to five communities valued at $500,000 each to maintain their respective sports grounds.

The communities are Kaikan, Chinoweing, Phillipai, Kako and Waramadong.“Sport can break down barriers of class, race and religion and foster social cohesion and community cooperation… Sport can be a tool for economic development. It can create employment, stimulate business and attract tourists. A National Sports Policy will foster personal development and human health and promote psychological and emotional well-being, and challenge athletes to surmount their limitations and teach the values of discipline, team work and leadership,” he said.Additionally, the policy will ensure that more citizens are provided with the widest range of opportunities, support sports associations, clubs,

organisations and schools by entrenching the development of community-based sporting competitions.  In June, the Ministry of Education’s Department of Sport commenced a series of consultations with Sports Federation and Associations to garner feedback to inform the policy document.Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry said that through sport, young people can benefit from very valuable qualities such as team spirit, discipline and healthy competition, all of which the Upper Mazaruni Games have been achieving over the years. “The Ministry and the Government of Guyana will continue to work towards development of its young people through various forms, particularly through education, culture and sport,” she said.President of the District Sports Council, Mr. Rudolph Wellington, recalled that President Granger’s attendance at this annual event dates back to when he was Opposition Leader. He said that over the years, more games and events have been added to the week-long event, such as swimming, athletics, archery, cricket and table tennis. Mr. Wellington is encouraging youths on the coast to form groups and clubs; noting that sports is a sure way of keeping young minds gainfully engaged.

Meanwhile, 19-year old Gerald Issacs from Waramadong Village said that he is confident that his 50-member contingent will shine at this year’s games. Last year, the team placed fourth. “Taking part in this type of competition benefits me a lot. It keeps me fit, clears my mind, takes me away from stress and depression and it keeps me happy,” he said.McFarlane George, an athlete from Kamarang, said that his entire village is very proud to be hosting this prestigious sporting event. George said that he is in great shape right now, having just played in  a nationwide Football Tournament held last week. He is urging all athletes to remain disciplined and committed in whatever game they choose to play.Mr. Sandro Edmonds, who is a member of the Paruima Sports Club, said that he has a contingent of 64 athletes, who have all been undergoing vigorous training in the lead up to this event. He also lauded the organisers of the event, which he said is a tremendous stepping stone for young people. However, he noted that his community would like to see more of their athletes representing Guyana at the national and international levels.   As part of the ‘Green Generation Guyana’ programme, Minister Hastings-Williams and President Granger also distributed a quantity of school bags and books to primary school students who attended the event. This programme, which was launched by the Ministry of Communities, targets young children in an effort to raise a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens. First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Ms. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones and President of the Guyana Football Federation, Mr. Wayne Forde were also in attendance.The games, which are being held under the theme, “In the spirit of unity, we claim victory” run from August 6-13. The communities participating in this year’s event include: Pariuma, Waramadong, Kamarang, Kako, Jawalla, Phillipai, Imbaimadai, Chinoweing, Quebanang, Kaikan, Arau and for the first time ever, Chenapau from the Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight) and San Juan from neighbouring Venezuela.