On Thursday, November 2nd, the official signing of the protocol agreement took place in Paramaribo, Suriname, marking a significant step toward hosting the 2023 Inter Guiana Games (IGG).
The directors of sports from the three participating nations gathered for a formal meeting to make this event possible.

This agreement, which finalizes the event’s confirmation, coincided with an official inspection of the sports facilities and accommodation arrangements. Guyana’s Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, was accompanied by Christy Campbell, Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association and a board member of the National Sports Commission during this visit.

In a post-signing press conference, Director Ninvalle expressed his enthusiasm for Guyana’s participation in the IGG, emphasizing the importance of the bonds and friendships that will be fostered during the event. He noted that the IGG is not just about one country’s victory but about the unity and camaraderie that will be cultivated among the nations.

Ninvalle also suggested the idea of creating a common logo and flag for the IGG to strengthen the sense of unity. He envisioned that the IGG would continue to bring the three nations closer together, especially as the event has now surpassed 50 years of tradition.

He shared his hopes for a competitive and friendly atmosphere in the 2023 IGG and expressed the desire for even more impactful games in the future. This sentiment echoed the wishes of Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.

Guyana Olympic Association Vice President, Campbell, echoed the spirit of unity, emphasizing that the IGG is about embracing sister countries, not domination. She emphasized the importance of fair play, mutual respect, and the fostering of good relations.

The 2023 IGG is scheduled to take place from November 17th to 19th, after a delay due to financial constraints in Suriname, the host nation. The event was initially planned for October 26th to 31st.
The IGG will feature eight disciplines: chess, futsal, football, lawn tennis, swimming, basketball, volleyball and athletics
. Two sports — table tennis and badminton — were removed from the list due to scheduling conflicts with other international competitions in the same timeframe.

Delegations are expected to arrive on November 16th and depart on November 20th. The IGG, first held in 1967, was recently revived following a five-year hiatus during which the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. It serves not only as a platform for young athletes but also as a cultural and educational event, promoting unity, trust, and understanding among the Guianas’ people.