Guyana’s Track and Field fraternity are stepping into a new realm with confirmation of their first major brand deal.
The Athletics Association of Guyana has managed to broker a multi-year agreement with world-renowned German company Adidas, which would see the local Association benefitting from receipt of cash and equipment for athletes and clubs.
Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr.
The official announcement was made on Saturday at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara, where the 2025 CARIFTA trials were in full swing; and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, took the opportunity to share more details on the agreement.
“This is a historic day. It is a historic day because of the fact that you had the Athletics Association of Guyana — and I dare say any Association of Guyana — embracing with such a world supplier of equipment in such a way. This agreement that will be signed with Adidas is worth in cash and kind,” Ninvalle explained.
“For the first year, the Athletics Association of Guyana will be receiving US$300,000 from Adidas, and for the next three years, you will receive US$250,000 worth of equipment. But that is only on the equipment side; there’s also cash being funnelled to your association – much smaller amount, but when you, the athletes, would go out and perform, then we know when Adidas or any other major sporting equipment body comes, then it will be of a much higher financial input,” Ninvalle divulged.
The Athletics Association of Guyana has brokered a deal with Adidas
An elated Sheryl Hermonstine, President of the AAG, was also present, and spoke of the impact such a deal would have on the AAG. “This contract would assist you, athletes and coaches, in many ways. You’ll be outfitted, looking the way you should be looking at our international events. The contract also entails some finances, which you will hear of very shortly.” Hermonstine revealed.
AAG President, Sheryl Hermonstine
In his time at the podium, a euphoric Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr highlighted that the deal has come as a result of Guyana’s potential and recent success on the international stage.
“But what is that that they’re investing in? They’re investing in what they’ve already seen! What they have seen is a remarkable level of success in the last four and a half years that surpasses every other region or every other country in the region; to the point where Guyana is being seen as the next Mecca of Olympic and athletic talent, and (there’s) nowhere else where they can find this abundance of talent, for which the potential is to the maximum,” Minister Ramson detailed.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle
“It’s more than historic! This deal that Guyana has signed with Adidas – which is a world-class advanced company – any other country in the world would want to trade places with us right now for being able to secure this deal on your behalf,” he explained.
“That is how important it is to be recognized. And what are they recognizing? They’re recognizing the potential of our talent, that we all knew in Guyana that we had on these shores. But at a global level, it’s a recognition that they see in you what we always saw in you,” the Minister declared.
The deal with Adidas is also set to directly benefit Guyana’s athletics clubs through funding.
