REPRESENTATIVES of all 15 school districts across Guyana are set to compete for the title of champion at the first-ever Inter-District Kayaking Nationals which is set for July 4, 2022.
The event, which is being hosted by Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, is expected to showcase the talents of the best school from each district as they compete for a prize of $100,000.
Proprietor of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, Dr. Deon Anderson, speaking to the Sunday Chronicle, stated that the event is set to be one of the major annual school sporting events. This national tournament comes on the heels of the first inter-schools tournament hosted by the company in collaboration with the Ministry of Education on May 1, 2022.
The inter-school competition which Dr. Anderson noted was met with great acclaim, saw the participation of all the secondary schools in Region10 (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice), along with Queen’s College and St Rose’s High from Georgetown, with Harmony Secondary emerging the winner and walking away with the first-place prize.
He noted that this ‘Nationals’ is expected to be bigger as it will bring together student-athletes from various schools across the country, many of which have experience with kayaking as it is utilised as a means of transport in their respective communities.
“We’re expecting persons from places like Kamarang, from the Rupununi, from Mazaruni region, North West, even the Bartica folks indicated several students from up the river; they’re in contact with those as part of their teams, so this competition is going to be really exciting because you’re going to see some of the best. Wakapow’s headteacher reached out to me and they’ve sent their teams already and it’s going to be interesting because in Wakapow everybody paddles to school.”
He noted that all 15 school districts have confirmed their participation and are currently in the process of “fine-tuning” their list of participants.
The competition, which is being hosted at the Watooka Guest House in Linden, will be divided into four categories; the male singles, the female singles, and the male and female relays.
The competition will see first place winners getting $100,000 plus a trophy; second place $70,000 and $50,000 to the third-place winners of the event.
This major first-time event promises to be unique and brings a platform to showcase the athletic skills of locals in a wide range of aquatic sports while promoting “Sports Tourism.”
Proprietor of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, Deon Anderson, speaking to the Sunday Chronicle, stated “the intention of this pioneering event is to highlight the concept of sport tourism, build social cohesion and catapult Guyana towards the achievement of transformational development and holistically building the ideals of One Guyana.”
He noted that the idea is to facilitate the creation of an event that would serve to connect sports, eco-tourism, and education.
Anderson made it clear that emphasis was being placed on safety precautions for the event. He noted that adequate professional and competent lifeguards will be present throughout the journey.
“Lifejackets will be worn by all participants; medical evacuation team and first responders will also be present (in the water via speed boats) escorting the participants through the race.”
He added: “And regional education officials, along with physical education teachers from each respective school, will be accompanying the students to support and cheer them on as they participate in this competition. We are fully committed to safety, comfort, and professionalism concerning all participants of this competition.”