Ali makes commitment that government is working on establishing 3 new multipurpose centres
On February 7, 2021 at the launching of the Guyana Softball Cricket League (GSCL) President’s T20 Softball Cup, Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali highlighted the need to decentralise sport from the capital city and spread it to all corners of Guyana.
President Dr Irfaan Ali during his feature address
Addressing the nation in his feature address on August 2, 2021, the President relayed that his Government is working on establishing three new multipurpose centres to accommodate a wide range of sporting events and facilities in Guyana.
“Upgrading all public sporting facilities including the sports ground in rural and hinterland areas. Working closely with the sporting federations to strengthen sporting administration in Guyana. Improving competitiveness is also critical in moving our country forward, your Government will ensure Guyana’s competitiveness as a destination for investment,” Ali added.
The President further added that the Government needed to invest more in sports, but lamented that it was not only a government responsibility, owing to the fact that in all countries that do well in sports, the Private Sector plays an integral role. Ali related that to make an investment in the sporting sector, his Government was willing to partner with the Private Sector, the commissions, the federations and sporting bodies.
The President also said, “We have already committed to establishing regional centres and a high-performance training centre for athletes. I am confident that we have in Guyana, athletes that are capable of standing on the medal podium, but we have to make that investment.”
Ali laid down the law by stating that this can only be accomplished through talent spotting from a very young age. Hence, he reiterated when the talent is spotted, investment in a programme must be done that will allow the athlete to pursue academic achievements while their athletic talent is developed and enhanced. President Ali highlighted that this was the direction that he and his Government were heading in.
