‘Biggest challenge is funding’ says AAG’s General Secretary

THE Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will hold a grand fund-raising relay on the grass at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary on Friday July 12 and will feature participation from Guyana’s premier sprinters.
There will be a BBQ and Lime with the BBQ being served from 13:00 hours with the much-anticipated relay commencing at 14:00 hours.
BBQ cost $2,000 but if you pay the entrance fee of $1,500 to witness the relay and you the purchase a BBQ inside of the venue you will only pay an additional $500.
All affiliated clubs of the AAG will compete for top honours with trophies, medals and cash incentives up for grabs for the top three teams in each category.
Tianna Springer who won the U-20 Carifta 400m gold in 53.3 in the spice Isle of Grenada, will headline the day’s actives.

Among the other athletes expected to compete are; Nolex Holder, Akeem Stewart, Shamar Velloza, Jaheel Cornett, Malachi Austin, Devon Barrington, Aliyah Moore, Annalisa Redmond and Shaquan Daniels.
Running Brave, Super Upcoming Runners, Tytans, Mercury Fast Laners, Team Nice, Upper Demerara, CWSS, Ruralities, DeChallenger, Police Progressive Youth Club, Guyana Defence Force Track Club, Hope Town Flame, NA United, Bladen Hall Secondary School are among the athletics clubs.
“The primary aim in having this fund raiser is to generate adequate funding and affording all qualified athletes the opportunity to compete at the upcoming World Juniors in Peru 28 – 31 August 2024” informed General Secretary of the AAG James Cole who is responsible for the execution of all day-to-day matters.

“Eight athletes have so far amassed the qualifying standards for WA U20 and have been working assiduously under the guidance of their coaches, so chances of medaling are great… about 95 per cent. The final date for any athlete to qualify is the 4th August,2024,” informed Cole.
One of the biggest challenges for the Association is finding sponsors and the lack of funding.

“That in itself pose a big setback in sending a large contingent to any one of the championships. We are calling on corporate Guyana to embrace the association with whatever small contribution.
We are in conversation with Sheriff Security who has given some assurance but we continue to engage other sponsors and await favourable responses. The Government of Guyana and Corporate Guyana will also be engaged for whatever contributions small or large.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has always contributed to all activities of the AAG and we are ever grateful to them,” disclosed Cole, speaking about the Games in Lima Peru.
This is the AAG’s first big fund raiser under Cole’s stewardship and he is asking for support from the public.

“We are not only raising funds for the travelling athletes; the funds will assist with our day-to-day expenses of the association and other international championship in Ecuador and Columbia.
The AAG needs the support of corporate Guyana not only for this fund raiser but for our developmental meets and championships,” stressed Cole.
Cole believes the athletes can only get better when they are afforded the opportunity to go and compete against other international athletes.
“The association makes a plea to all Guyana for your support.
The General Secretary can be reached on tel: 626 6843 or email- Guy@mf.worldathletics.org or our bank account at Republic Bank #962356550396. The athletes need your support corporate Guyana please do your part” the AAG’s General Secretary concluded.