The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) while reflecting on the long list of stellar performances from Guyanese athletes in 2023 has welcomed sport’s $4.6 billion Budget allocation for 2024.
In a statement, the Association shared, “The President (ag) and council of the Athletics Association Guyana (AAG), wishes to congratulate the Honorable Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, and to an extent the Government of Guyana, for an unprecedented 2024 sports budget. This would surely continue to develop the sport of athletics, as we are already in various areas promoting the Athletics Academy.
“AAG, in 2023, reflected a year of exceptional growth and successes in our athletic programmes.
“The successes would not have been possible without the support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission. These two entities played a fundamental role in providing the necessary financial and non-financial support for the athletes.
Emanuel Archibald was a standout performer for the AAG in 2023
“The AAG has since developed a lasting relationship with the two mentioned organisations.
This past year, under the skilled guidance of our dedicated coaches, Guyanese athletes have excelled in numerous regional and international competitions. Their hard work, consistency, and unwavering motivation have not only brought pride to our nation, but also significantly raised Guyana’s profile in the global athletic community. Our athletes have consistently demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship, contributing to our nation’s esteemed reputation.
“I am thrilled to report that the AAG participated in nine international and regional competitions
and achieved outstanding results. These achievements include:
1. Carifta Games, Bahamas: 3 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze medals
2. Caricom 10k, Trinidad and Tobago: 1 Gold, 1 Bronze medals
3. World Under-20, Colombia: 2 Gold, 2 Bronze medals
4. World Games, Hungary: Significant progression with athletes reaching semifinals
5. Commonwealth Youth Games, Trinidad and Tobago: 2 Golds, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
6. Pan Am Games, Chile: 1 Silver, 2 Bronze
7. South American 10k, Guyana: 2 Silver
8. South American 10k, Suriname: 2 Gold
9. Inter Guiana Games, Suriname: 22 Gold, 19 Silver, 4 Bronze medal, totalling 70 medals – a record improvement from previous years.
Leslain Baird pulled off a historic performance at the 2023 Pan Am Games
The journey to these achievements was both challenging and rewarding. Financial support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the National Sports Commission, and the Guyana Olympic Association played a pivotal role in preparing and sending our athletes to these events.
“We are deeply grateful for this support, which has been instrumental in the development of our national athletes. Notably, these efforts have led to significant accomplishments beyond the field. Athletes like Tiana Springer and Ezekiel Newton have been awarded scholarships to Chase Academy and New Mexico Community College, respectively, enabling them to pursue their academic and athletic aspirations. Attoya Harvey and several other talented athletes have also secured scholarships to prestigious institutions with strong athletic programmes.
“Our fruitful collaboration with the Director of Sports has been a cornerstone of these successes, fostering an environment where athletes can excel both athletically and academically. This synergy has not only nurtured our athletes’ sporting talents, but also made them attractive candidates for academic scholarships and other developmental opportunities.
“In conclusion, the AAG extends heartfelt thanks for the enduring support and looks forward to building on this foundation in 2024. We are excited for the continued collaboration and networking, and we are confident that 2024 will be filled with even more athletic and academic triumphs.”
