THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, in collaboration with the British High Commission in Georgetown and National Sports Associations/Federations held a highly successful Press Conference – One Year to Go to London 2012. With exactly one year to go until the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, organisers confirm that all preparations for the very best Games are on track and the London vision to host the Olympic and Paralympics Games that inspire the World and act as a catalyst for lasting change, is undefined.
The Umana Yana was decorated and the Olympic ambience  truly permeated the air.  The impressive audience included former Olympians, and at the head table was Guyana’s bronze medallist at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, Michael Parris.
Several sports administrators and particularly the large turnout of very young persons from several sports disciplines were indeed inspired by the short video clips which were provided by the British High Commissioner, HE Simon Bond.
Going for Green – highlighted the sustainable design of 2012 Olympic Park in Stratford.
Paralympia – Tammi Grey-Thompson excelled as she exalted the performance of people with disabilities.  The Going for Green velodrome in the Olympic Park was a special thing to look at. The British proudly showcased Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprint champion’s visit to London. The video clips were carefully selected to move the audience and make them see and feel the Olympic Games.
Dr Karren Pilgrim – Vice-President of the Guyana Olympic Association spoke about the Olympics ideas and goals.
Dr Pilgrim, who will certainly be at the London Games, expressed her strong feelings for the Olympic fraternity.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony was represented by his Permanent Secretary Mr Alfred King and he was quick to express confidence in the British for hosting the Games. He also expressed his strong feeling that Guyana can win medals in boxing.
President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge joined the organisers and formally invited the athletes of the World to attend the Games while he also unveiled the Olympic medals at an impressive event in London’s Trafalgar Square. 
The Games next year will mark an end of a decade-long project.  London won the bid in 2005 based on a vision to stage the Games which would have athletes at its heart, inspire young people to choose sports, showcase iconic London and be a catalyst for transformation and lasting change.
With approximately 365 days to go, London is on track to deliver on its promises to host the most spectacular Olympic and Paralympic Games and lay the foundation for significant social, sporting and economic legacies.
London’s progress over the last six years has been closely monitored and endorsed by the International Olympic Committee.
The construction of the impressive Olympic Park, undertaken by the Olympic Delivery Authority, is now 88% complete.  Approximately four million tickets have been sold so far, setting the scene for full venues at the games. There will be a sensational atmosphere for the highly competitive athletes.
The London 2012 Games will extend well beyond the host city and will certainly reflect the worldwide appeal of the Olympic movement.  We must be fully cognisant of the fact that a key part of London’s bid commitments in Singapore in 2005 to inspire young people to choose sport was the creation of the International Inspiration global sports development programme which, a year away from the games, has already reached its target of 12 million young people now benefiting from organised sport in developing countries.
It was most heartening to see how attentive the many young athletes who were present at the Umana Yana responded when they were challenged to emulate and surpass our ‘lone’ Michael Parris.
Our athletes were urged to prepare themselves to win and cover themselves in the Golden Arrowhead, while our National Anthem will be playing and they will be receiving their medals at future Olympic Games.
Guyana can today boast that we have a State-of-the-Art Olympic-size swimming pool and we are constructing a world-class Synthetic Athletic Track. Hence, the facilities for our athletes will be world-class.  We can and we will see world-class performances.