Government to continue investing in sports, supporting athlete development – Min Jacobs

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, says the government will continue to invest in sporting facilities across Guyana as part of efforts to strengthen athlete development and improve national performance.

Addressing the young athletes after three days of competing in the National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, Minister Jacobs praised their performances.

He highlighted the championships as a critical platform for developing future national representatives.

“This is the 66th year of nationals, and it has produced some of the best athletes that have represented Guyana,” the minister said, noting that the event has historically served as a launching pad for elite competitors.

He further assured the athletes that the government remains committed to supporting their development through continued investments in sporting infrastructure.

“We will continue to invest in more facilities for you so that you have an opportunity to be the best you can be,” Minister Jacobs stated.

With the Anna Regina, Palmyra, New Amsterdam and Mackenzie Stadiums slated to open in 2026, athletes across the country will soon have greater access to world-class facilities to enhance their overall training capacity.

The championships featured hundreds of student-athletes from secondary schools across the country competing in a range of track and field events, showcasing both emerging talent and the growing strength of youth athletics in Guyana.

Several athletes credited the improved training environment and national competitions for helping them elevate their performances.

One athlete, Gabriella Peters, who spoke with the Department of Public Information, said competing at the national level motivates her to improve and represent the country in the future.

“Being here pushes you to do better because you’re competing against the best athletes from across the country. It motivates you to train harder and represent your school and Guyana,” she said.

Another participant, Yonnick Williamson, highlighted the importance of developing state-of-the-art sports facilities to prepare athletes for the international league.

“Because we have the new track in Linden, our training will be more professional, so I think it’s going to result in us having a better performance,” he shared.

The annual championships continue to play a vital role in identifying and nurturing talent while reinforcing the importance of sports development at the school level.

With continued investment in facilities and programmes, the government aims to further strengthen the pipeline of athletes who will represent Guyana on the regional and international stage.