Following a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 60th Annual National Schools Swimming, Cycling, and Track & Field Championships were officially declared open on Sunday at the Leonora Synthetic Track and Field Facility.
The national inter-school tournament is a collaboration between the Education Ministry and the Guyana Teachers Union.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who delivered the feature address, emphasised the importance of coupling academic pursuits with athleticism to mould and produce versatile youth who can make valuable contributions to Guyana.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips flanked by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Alfred King, Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson, GTU President, Mark Lyte and General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald.The prime minister also reminded all in attendance government continues to make efforts to construct, improve and preserve sporting facilities countrywide, pointing out that the construction works on the Linden track and field centre are progressing.
Moreover, he disclosed that the government intends to build an additional track facility in Region Six, noting that multi-sport facilities will also be established there. This move is to make sports accessible for all Guyanese youth.
The education minister reiterated the government’s commitment to putting systems in place to enable people to develop and thrive.She also noted that athletic and academic programmes will be crafted to supply each student with well-rounded capabilities.
The minister pledged that in the coming years, schools across the country will see the implementation of more inclusive and multifaceted programmes to afford students the freedom to explore their abilities.
President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mark Lyte commended the athletes’ hard work and implored all in attendance to lend their support and encouragement in recognition of these efforts.
Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Alfred King, General Secretary of GTU, Coretta McDonald and other officers of the ministry and GTU were also in attendance at the opening ceremony.
