10th Janet Jagan Memorial windball cricket tournament underway

Hundreds of school-age athletes flocked the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue on Thursday to witness the 10th edition of the Cheddi and Janet Jagan Memorial windball cricket tournament being officially launched.
The tournament promises expansion and more competitiveness this year.
Unlike in previous editions, when only schools from Regions 3 and 4 competed, this year’s tournament would see representation from schools across all administrative regions, except Regions 1, 8, and 9.

Organizers have cited logistical challenges as the reason for the absence of children from the tournament, but have assured that provision would be made for their participation in future.
Expansion of this tournament has been made possible through significant support from the National Sports Commission (NSC), which has helped to broaden the scope of the event.
Tournament organiser Allister Munroe has confirmed that competition would commence on Monday at the National Gymnasium, and it would be for schools in Georgetown.
The tournament’s schedule is aligned with significant dates in the Jagans’ legacy. Matches are set for March 6 at Port Mourant, and the final match is scheduled for March 28. Boys’ teams would compete in the Cheddi Jagan Division, while the talents of female participants would be showcased in the Janet Jagan Division.
Last year’s edition was an exciting competition that culminated in an exciting final. Annandale Secondary of Region 4 emerged victorious in the boys’ category, while Leonora Secondary of Region 3 were the victors in the girls’ division.
Speaking at the launch, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, hailed the tournament as an example of what can be achieved through teamwork and Government support.
“This is a really fascinating event we’re having. It shows how much we can achieve when we work as a team. It shows how much determination, it shows how much tenacity, has been put into this (tournament)…but with our teamwork, led by the Honourable Minister Charles Ramson Jr, we have been seeing, inclemently, the rise of sports in Guyana,” Ninvalle said.
According to Ninvalle, “Last year, we did not have the involvement of as many schools and as many regions as we have this year, and it shows Government’s commitment too, because we have promised that we would’ve had a gymnasium, we promised that we would’ve had multipurpose facilities just like the gymnasium, and that is what we’re having…it says that we can replicate what we’re having in Georgetown in other regions. This is a microcosm of how Government is working.”
The Director of Sport further pointed out, “We want to make sure that we can touch every Guyanese, and everyone can be a part of the development. Infrastructural work as it relates to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission is something that is priority, and if you look at the budget for this year, which has moved to 8 billion dollars, it tells you a lot of what is going on regarding infrastructure.”
Ninvalle also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the tournament’s namesake, Janet Jagan. Describing her as a “stalwart, a legend, and a strong woman,” he encouraged young participants to study her life and draw inspiration from her resilience.
“She stood tall, she stood strong. That is empowerment for you youngsters,” he remarked. “There were many hurdles she overcame, and there will be hurdles you will have to overcome. Take a page from her book and push forward.”
Windball, a fast-paced variation of cricket, is widely played in Guyana, often serving as a gateway for young athletes to transition into traditional cricket.