Guyana to Participate in 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh 2025

Guyana will once again proudly participate in the 6th Edition of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) Games, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 5–21, 2025.

Following its debut at the inaugural games in 2005, Guyana will field a competitive contingent to represent the nation at the prestigious multisport event, which brings together athletes from over 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

According to a statement from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), the Islamic Solidarity Games is “a unique concept designed to foster unity, friendship, and cultural exchange among athletes of the Islamic world and beyond, promoting mutual understanding and solidarity through the universal language of sport.”

Guyana’s participation, the GOA noted, marks the continuation of its growing engagement in international multi-sport competitions, “under the leadership of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), which remains committed to providing pathways for athletes to gain exposure, experience, and excellence on the world stage.”

The 6th Islamic Solidarity Games will feature over 270 events across 19 sports, including athletics, boxing, swimming, table tennis, and weightlifting, as well as emerging disciplines such as esports and para sports. Competitions will be staged across four main venue clusters — Boulevard, Olympic Complex, Al Janadriyah, and Malaz — designed to deliver world-class facilities, sustainability, and a seamless experience for athletes and spectators alike.

This will be the second time Saudi Arabia hosts the event, the first being the inaugural games in 2005. The games also mark a return to their traditional four-year cycle after the 2021 edition in Konya, Turkey, was postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic.

Team Guyana

The delegation will be led by Chef de Mission Mr. Garfield Wiltshire, with Mrs. Nalini Mc Koy serving as Assistant Chef de Mission. GOA President Mr. Godfrey Munroe and Vice President Ms. Cristy Campbell will attend the ISSA Annual General Assembly. Ms. Chelsea Edghill, Chairperson of the GOA Athletes’ Commission, will represent Guyana at the Athletes’ Commission Session, where she will exercise voting rights on behalf of the nation.

Guyana will compete in boxing, table tennis, swimming, and athletics.

• Boxing (Nov 5–10): Keevin Allicock and Joel Williamson, coached by Lennox Daniels.

• Table Tennis (Nov 8–12):

  • Men’s Team: Shemar Britton, Elishaba Johnson, Nigel Bryan.

  • Women’s Team: Chelsea Edghill, Jasmine Billingy, Thuraia Thomas.

  • Coaches: Linden Johnson and Joel Alleyne.

• Swimming (Nov 8–12): Delroy Tyrell will contest the 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, and 100m backstroke, coached by Ewin Enmore.

• Athletics (Nov 17–20): Leslain Baird (javelin), Emanuel Archibald (100m, long jump, 4x100m), Noelex Holder (200m, 4x100m), Akeem Stewart (100m, 4x100m), Revon Williams (400m, 4x100m, mixed 4x400m), Robert Marcus (200m, 4x100m), Simeon Adams (400m, mixed 4x400m), Aliyah Abrams (400m, mixed 4x400m), Keliza Smith (100m/200m, mixed 4x400m), Kenisha Phillips (200m, alternate mixed 4x400m), and Natricia Hooper (triple jump). Coach: Quincy Clarke.

The GOA said the Games will provide Guyanese athletes with an opportunity “to compete at elite levels while showcasing their nation’s talent and values.”

Coming on the heels of President Irfaan Ali’s visit and address to the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum in Riyadh from October 27–30, 2025, under the theme “The Key to Prosperity—Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth,” the event also holds “significant value for Guyana’s sports diplomacy and development chapter,” the release stated.