MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., on Friday, issued a statement as regards the modus operandi local sport associations/federations use for their selection of athletes for national duties.

In recent times, some associations have been questioned by members of the media about the rationale for the non-selection or selection of players.

At times, the response as it regards the non-selection of players, selectors would indicate age as a factor and the quest to “move on” and “give youths an opportunity”.

In a general statement on sports, Minister Ramson Jr. expressed, “Selectors for all sports teams should not be eliminating player opportunities strictly on the basis of age. Performance is always key and experience matters even in periods of transition.”

He added, “It has been proven over time that the duration of a sports career can be extended with the right approach towards training. As Guyana’s sports infrastructure continues to transform, it is important that our sports culture transforms with deliberate enlightenment.’

Throughout 2023, the transformation of sport is expected as the Ministry’s Academies for the 12 core sports ramp up work to raise the output and consistency of athletes at international competitions.