On track for the 50th
─Republic Relay Festival heats up Leonora track
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Track and Field fans turned out in their numbers of the highly-anticipated50th Republic Anniversary Relay Festival. The meet was held at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara on Sunday last.
Among the races featured were the 4×100 metres, 4×200 metres, 2400 metres medley, 1500 metres medley, 800 metres medley and 4×4 mixed relay. Athletes from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 participated.
This event was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Department of Social Cohesion and the Guyana Overseas Based Sports Association (GOBSA).
Earlier in January Festival Committee Director Russel Lancaster explained that a decision was taken to a track and field even to the Republic anniversary activities because “we did think that all aspects of our culture and our life should be celebrated, and as such, sport plays an integral role.”
Opening the event Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr George Norton noted that the athletes were “part of an important competition that celebrates our nation’s Republic milestone which is quite significant.”
Vice-President of GOBSA, Gordon Lewis encouraged the athletes to use this event as a preparation for the upcoming trials for the CARIFTA Games. Lewis observed that sports development in the country has grown exponentially and assured that his organisation is willing to play an integral part in the country’s development of track and field.
The relay festival catered for athletes in three categories – Open, Under-20, and Under-16. In the senior category, participants received cash prizes of $35,000, $25,000 and $15,000. While winners in the Under-20 and Under-16 received a special medal emblazoned with the Golden Jubilee logo.