… Pompey promises safety-first approach

WITH the June 19th AP Invitational added to World Athletics Continental Tour, Aliann Pompey, the event’s organiser, believes it will fit perfectly on the international calendar, since it allows enough time for athletes to not only get in shape, but also use the games as their gateway to the Tokyo Olympic Games.
In 2016, the inaugural AP Invitational saw 11 athletes, all overseas-based, qualifying for the Rio Games and this time around it will be no different.
According to Pompey, the confirmed date for the AP Invitational “is late enough to give athletes a chance to get into peak shape and that’s well within the qualifying window for the Olympics Games”.
Pompey highlighted that the AP Invitational continues to be a “great resource for our region, being one of limited regional competitions on the World Athletics Continental Tour. In talking with athletes and their agents, interest is substantial as they monitor the quickly changing travel restrictions and protocol to make it a reality”.
The 2020 AP Invitational had to be postponed, like almost everything else following the advent of COVID-19 in Guyana. But, while some events, more specifically in the Caribbean, are moving to the stage of cancellation, Pompey said that she’s thrilled that she can move forward with this year’s AP Invitational.

“To say the desire for a sense of normalcy is great is an understatement. I think this is the opportunity to bring sports back in a major way. It gives the athletes a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games scheduled to begin at the end of July. We have a number of challenges we will face as we aim to deliver a competition of the highest quality,” Pompey said.
Guyana’s Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist, Pompey, is promising athletes and other support staff that their health and safety are absolutely at the forefront of everything. The adherence of local and international health protocols will not be compromised, Pompey noted.

With regard to corporate and government support, Pompey has already received the backing of Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Sleepin Hotel and Casino, Ministry of Tourism, Sentinel Security, Atletismo Sudamericano (formerly ConSudAtle) and World Athletics.
“There have been several discussions with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Minister Charles Ramson Jr. He has expressed his support and commitment to the success of the international competition, and has pledged the support of his ministry,” the four-time Olympian said.
She made an appeal to other businesses, corporations and individuals who would like to align themselves with the event, to get on board.