GUYANA Overseas-based Sports Association’s (GOBSA) third annual Independence track and field meet will get going today with at least 300 athletes set to take the field at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora, West Coast Demerara. 

GOBSA, who is collaborating with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), held a press conference yesterday. President of the AAG, Aubrey Huston, at the presser revealed that a packed contingent is expected over the next two days.

Hutson assured the media that the facility is equipped to combat the current inclement weather. He revealed the athletes are eager to do well, given the stakes.

One of GOBSA’s founders, Orin Thomas, explained that the central rationale of the event is for it to be “a talent-finding activity”.

Thomas noted, “It is important to spot talent at an early stage so they can be moulded into well-rounded athletes”. The organiser further revealed athletes from as far as Region Seven are listed to be on show.

Gordon Lewis, another former national athlete, who is a part of the association also urged the athletes to put their best foot forward and reminded that there is a world outside of the track, as he called for there to be a balance between athletics and academics.

The athletes are already looking ahead to next year’s event and plans are in the pipeline to invite competitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries in order to improve the level of competition for local athletes.

The action begins at 10:00hrs and an entrance fee of $300 will be charged. Athletes will be rewarded with cash prizes.