2019 Heritage Games kick off!

― continues to foster social cohesion

DPI, Guyana, Friday, September 20, 2019

The annual Heritage Games has got off to a great start. The three-day event will see several teams from the hinterland competing in preliminary matches in football, volleyball, cricket, archery and swimming competitions on the first two days (Sept 20-21) with the grand showdown on Sept 22.

During the opening ceremony at the Everest Sports ground, Minister Allicock noted that the event has grown over the years and continues to aid in the fostering of social cohesion in the country.

“There are already signs that this is one of the activities that brings Guyana together and you are the ones who are going to help us to do that as young Guyanese. You are from all ten regions and our mission is to unify this country,” Minister Allicock stated.

Some of the football action on Day one of the Heritage Games

Some of the football action on Day one of the Heritage Games

[In the photo, from left to right) – Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry Samantha Fedee, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones along with two teams representing Region 7

Minister Garrido-Lowe, who also serves as the patron for women’s football in Guyana, said during Indigenous Heritage Month, the camaraderie is evident in spite of our cultural differences.

“Guyanese, you can see them wearing headdresses, bands, necklaces, earrings, a piece of clothing, something to celebrate heritage… I think we can say that we have embraced our Motto – One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” Minister Garrido-Lowe said.

The ministers also assured that the government will continue to provide budgetary allocations to ensure the Heritage Sports can be hosted every year. They encouraged the teams to be competitive and to put their best foot forward.

Meanwhile, the women’s cricket team from Kartabo in Region 7 plans to dethrone defending champions St. Cuthbert’s Mission. Team’s captain Suzette Haynes is confident of taking home the title. “We had a lot of practice sessions at the start of July and we have knocked out nine teams in Region Seven and that is why we are here to represent Karatabo.”

However, the fans from St. Cuthbert’s Mission say their home team will retain the title once again. Fan, Gary Shuman said “I think the girls from St. Cuthbert will do well. They work hard and they come here confident, so they are going right through to victory.”