OVER 1500 student-athletes and officials, drawn from Guyana’s 10 Administrative Regions will come together from November 26 to December 1, for the 57th hosting of the National Schools Swimming, Cycling and Track & Field Championships, which was officially launched yesterday in the Boardroom of the Ministry of Education, 26 Brickdam Boardroom.

While Cycling will be held at the National Park and Swimming at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal from November 27, the usual eye-candy of the event, the Track & Field Championships, will race off from November 28, for the first time at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

“I think we’re going to see one of the best championships and the GTU will work with other stakeholders to ensure this is done,” said Mark Lyte, president of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), one of the principals of the event.
With the Championships being held for the first time in District 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Lyte explained that the athletes will be housed at Leonora Secondary, Uitvlugt Secondary and Stewartville Secondary schools which will make commuting to the Track and Field facility hassle-free.

In his remarks, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson said that the Ministry of Education (MOE) is pleased to be associated with the championships and assured that it (Championships) is here to stay.
He said that the Championships, which is a collaborative effort between the MOE and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), fits into the broader agenda of the Ministry of Education and will aid in the efforts to ensure that the education system churns out ‘rounded’ young people.

The CEO noted that sports can play a critical role in ensuring that the nation’s children think critically and be competitive at the same time.
Hutson urged parents, teachers, friends, and well-wishers to ‘throw their support’ behind the more than 1500 athletes who will be competing from across the country. Looking ahead, Mr Hutson said that “we are going to witness the greatest championships ever”.
It was revealed that Banks DIH will continue to support the event and three non-alcoholic beverages, Rainforest Waters, Power ADE and Malta Supreme will be the official drinks of the competition.

Banks DIH Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie said that his company was pleased to be associated with the event and that it’s a worthy cause to support. McKenzie said that his company’s support is notable more so because of the population that will benefit.