Indigenous Ministers want more hinterland athletes on National teams

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, September 22, 2017

Both Indigenous Ministers today called for the selection of more hinterland athletes for national teams. The appeal was made at the opening of the 2017 Indigenous Heritage Games at Everest Sports Ground, Eve Leary.

The athletes during their March Pass.

The games run from September 22-24 and will feature athletes from indigenous communities in the ten administrative regions competing in cricket, football, volleyball, archery, and swimming.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock wished the athletes success in the games and urged them to put their best foot forward. “I would like you to make the best of it, make new friends, look for opportunities, who knows, you would be part of the national team”, the Minister encouraged.

He further added that the hinterland possesses a tremendous pool of talent that needs to be tapped into and referred to the recent Digicel football competition, which saw two hinterland teams displaying a wealth of skills and placing second and third in the competition, as an example

Additionally, Minister Allicock pointed out that the hinterland has a critical role to play in unifying the country adding that this is the opportune time to do so. “We have a role to play through sports to unify the country. We would like you to make friends, talk about the hinterland, talk about where you come from, talk about linden, talk about Georgetown and let us share the information with one another.”

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe encouraged the athletes to use the Games as an opportunity to advance their selection on various national teams.

Minister Garrido-Lowe explained, “So far we have about 16 footballers on the national team. Under 17 and under 15 so we are getting there, we will be in the national team and the national team will truly reflect a national team with our indigenous people right there in the front line”.

Both Ministers gave their assurances that the Ministry will continue to support hinterland sports, in view of the fact that President David Granger has given his assurance to raise the level of sports countrywide.

 

By: Isaiah Braithwaite

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock greeting the athletes.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe greeting the athletes.

 

The athletes during their March Pass.

 

CATEGORIES
TAGS