THE Government of Guyana has reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger and more sustainable sporting sector through education, leadership development and strategic partnerships, as more than 300 athletes, coaches, administrators and officials gathered for the opening of the 2026 Sports Seminar.
The two-day seminar, being hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with Deakin University and the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, is being held under the theme, “Strengthening Sport in Guyana Through Education.”
The initiative is intended to equip participants with the knowledge, leadership skills and practical tools needed to advance sports development at the national, regional and community levels.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr said the seminar forms part of the government’s broader vision of creating opportunities that extend beyond athletic competition and ensuring that Guyanese athletes and sports administrators are prepared to succeed both on and off the field.
Minister Ramson highlighted what he described as the transformation of Guyana’s sporting sector over the past five years, pointing to the expansion of partnerships with national and international sporting organisations, increased investment in local competitions and greater opportunities for national teams to compete overseas.
He said Guyana had secured more international medals and championship titles during the past five years than at any other period in the country’s sporting history.
The minister also identified the continued development of the National Sports Academy as a key component of the government’s sports-development agenda, with the institution expected to play an important role in nurturing athletes and strengthening technical capacity across sporting disciplines.
He further disclosed that discussions are underway with English football club Manchester United to explore opportunities for Guyanese teams to participate in training programmes with the internationally recognised organisation.
Describing the seminar as both a privilege and an opportunity, Minister Ramson encouraged participants to make the necessary sacrifices to gain the maximum benefit from the programme, noting that the knowledge and lessons acquired could continue to influence their sporting careers and personal development long after the event concludes.
While Guyana continues to produce exceptional athletes and moments of sporting excellence, the minister said the country’s full potential can only be realised through collective effort, higher standards and a shared commitment to national development.
Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the seminar, emphasising that the forum was designed to promote open dialogue, discussion and the exchange of ideas.
He said continuous learning was essential to achieving sustained sporting success, noting that excellence depends not only on athletic ability, but also on effective leadership, sound administration and strong governance.
Director of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, Jamie Stewart, said the tournament was committed to creating a lasting legacy by supporting initiatives that contribute to the long-term development of sport in Guyana beyond the boundaries of cricket.
The seminar is being facilitated by Professor Pamm Phillips of Deakin University and includes presentations on sports governance, leadership, education and sustainable sports development.
Organisers said the programme is intended to provide participants with practical knowledge and strengthen the capacity of the people and institutions responsible for advancing Guyana’s sporting ecosystem in the years ahead.
