– 2026 edition opens with strong message

THE National Secondary Schools’ Championships 2026 opened on Wednesday with a powerful message for the nation’s youth: the era of relying solely on “raw talent” is coming to an end.
During an inspirational opening ceremony at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, top government officials joined forces to urge Guyana’s top 1,250 young athletes to etch their names into history.

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, officially confirmed that the 2027 Championships will head to Region 10, at the recently commissioned Bayroc National Stadium in Linden.
Moreover, the Minister expressed, “This event gives students an identity—it is not only for participation, but where we identify our national athletes.”
The 2026 Championships feature athletes from 138 schools battling for podium finishes and crucial CARIFTA qualification.
The event’s strategic shift from November to March—implemented in 2025—is specifically designed to prepare Guyanese stars for the Easter weekend regional standards.
“We have the raw talent, we always did—but you have to have the right training programme”, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. stated.
Minister Ramson Jr. further revealed that, beginning next month, the track and field community will gain access to “elite overseas coaches” to introduce scientific methodology into training.
This data-driven approach coincides with a massive infrastructure push. While the Bayroc facility is now operational, a second synthetic track at the New Amsterdam National Stadium is nearing its commission, providing more avenues for world-class development.
According to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, “the government remains deeply committed to promoting sport for our young people, and we will continue to make investments… significant attention to improving sport facilities.”
These championships will conclude on Friday, with President’s College aiming to defend its overall title.