58th National Schools’ Championship kicks off

– championship a ‘sport scout’s paradise’- Minister Henry

– District 10 begins title defense

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, November 25, 2018

Student-athletes from 15 districts across Guyana will, over the next five days, square off in heated competition as the 58th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships kicked off.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), is being held at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, for a second time and is the largest event organised for students and teachers from across the country. The competition affords students the opportunity to step away from academics for a while and showcase their talent in the sports arena.

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry called on the athletes to compete to the best of their abilities since the event is one that provides young athletes with the necessary experience to represent Guyana further afield.

“This championship is important to the process of harnessing the talent of our developing student-athletes. This championship is a sports scout’s paradise because it showcases our top athletes who I know will go on to represent our country both regionally and internationally,” Minister Henry stated.

The minister also encouraged the athletes to use the occasion to forge new friendships.

Second Vice President of the GTU, Julian Cambridge

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry

Students from the various districts during the march past at the opening of the 58th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships

Students from the various districts during the march past at the opening of the 58th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships

Students from the various districts during the march past at the opening of the 58th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships

Students from the various districts during the march past at the opening of the 58th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships

Students from the various districts during the march past at the opening of the 58th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships

District 10 lighting the symbolic torch

Sheama Tyrell of District 10 finished first in the Girls 10k race

All alone, Ricky Williams from District 11 crosses the finish line to secure first position in the Boys 10k race

Second Vice President of the GTU, Julian Cambridge reminded the students that they are already champions, as they have all made it to the National Championship. Cambridge said that the GTU remains committed to the event as it has sprouted a number of athletes that have represented Guyana both regionally and internationally. He called for sports to be fully introduced in schools since it is a vehicle for national unity and advancement of any nation.

Regional Executive Officer of Region Three, Denis Jaikaran, in brief remarks, said that he anticipates that this year’s competition is going to be even better than last year and encouraged the athletes to have a clean competition.

District 10, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani, who have won the competition 16 times; the last two Championships back-to-back, will again be defending the coveted title and establishing their dominance at the competition. They got off to a bright start in the girls 10K race which saw Sheama Tyrell finishing first. Marcia Andrews, of District 9, came in second while Leah Harris, of District 1, finished third.

For the boys, Ricky Williams, from District 11, finished in first position, Darrel Davis of District 6 came in second and Morvin Hamilton finished third from District 5.

The games continue tomorrow with swimming at the National Aquatic Centre and Cycling in the National Park.

Isaiah Braithwaite

Images: Keno George