–ExxonMobil ‘pumps’ $6.5M as title sponsors

THE 2025 inter-schools and district kayaking competitions were launched on Sunday afternoon at the Watooka Club House, with the importance of corporate social responsibilities being appreciated as ExxonMobil Guyana was announced as the title sponsor.

The company has set aside a $6.5M sponsorship tag for the fourth edition of the event to be staged on Sunday, June 29 and July 20, 2025 on the Demerara River.
ExxonMobil, through its Community Relations Adviser Ryan Hoppie; the Department of Education Officer Selwyn Isaacs; Regional Health Officer Dr. Gregory Harris; and a representative from the Guyana Tourism Authority, along with participants from various schools and parents all converged for the launching of this year’s kayaking competitions.

Dr. Deon Anderson, who is owner of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, the organisers of the event, said it was packaged as a tourism product for the region, which, incidentally, has the three main rivers interconnected.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Anderson explained the concept about how the kayaking completion came into vogue. He said it was due to an argument after members of the team had lunch following a tour, and the discussing about each other schools’ dominance in sports came up. From this kayaking as a novel event emerged with members challenging each other.
It was suggested then, that there be an inter-schools’ championship, and this year the fourth such will be done.

ExxonMobil, which was represented by Ryan Hoppie, lauded the organisers for their steadfastness to make the event one that helps promote youth development through sport.
He said, “We are thrilled to see such a gathering of youth athletes, educators, supporters and parents; it’s such a unique experience… It’s more than just tourism; it’s a whole new way of wholesome fun. It’s indeed something that we are privileged to be a part of, and I want to say we are thankful for this opportunity to partner on this particular project.”
The Department of Education’s Selwyn Griffith remarked that school is not just about bookwork, noting that “Kayaking, this social event is where you are going to test your will, strength, and your perseverance, and everything to see if you have what it takes.”

Regional Health Officer Dr. Harris spoke about the youths being involved in physical activities and sports, be it cricket, hockey, football, or cycling.
“I am especially proud to see so many young persons participating in this event,” he said. “This completion is also about health and the community; it’s about building health habits that would lead to lifelong wellness.”
The tourism representative echoed the sentiments of the previous speaker, and noted the high expectation of all involved.
The inter-schools kayaking competition on June 29 will see the participation of all the secondary schools in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the champion district of the National inter-schools’ athletics competitions, along with other guest schools.

This is to create an interesting environment of healthy competition and rivalry to see which is the best kayaking school in the competition.
This brings the total number of schools to 12.

The inter-district kayaking competition on July 20 will see the participation of secondary students from all 15 Districts countrywide.
Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours will make the necessary arrangements for two practice sessions, and on the competition day, meals on the day of the events.
And, in the case of the Inter-District competition, in collaboration with the Region 10 Education Department, accommodation and security for participants and accompanying teachers from far outlying regions.