As Guyana prepares to host the South American Youth (under-20) Championships this weekend at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, the world will be watching as more than 300 athletes from across 12 countries compete for sporting supremacy.
This event represents Guyana’s first attempt at hosting a meet of this magnitude, but the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is confident that things will run smoothly over the weekend.
The Paraguayan contingent was the latest team to arrive on Thursday
“The whole thing is under control,” according to Secretary of the AAG (Athletics Association of Guyana), Mayfield Trim.
Asked by Guyana Times Sport about seating arrangements, security and transportation, Trim explained that the stands for the spectators are in order and there are two additional stands, while there is also a new stand designated for the athletes. Chairs and tents are rented for officials and the VIP area; and these arrangements, she pointed out, should make for smooth running on the days involved.
The Guyana Police Force will be playing a big part in terms of security, as there would be a ubiquitous presence of ranks from the Leonora Police Station at the Stadium, while outriders will escort the respective team buses to and from the Track. This was made possible through intervention of the Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Trim explained.
Arrangements were also made with the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge to facilitate the timings and ensure the punctual transportation of the athletes.
The South American Youth Championships is a Biennial event, and Brazil are the defending Champions. They had a haul of 39 medals, including 17 gold, when the Championships were last held — in Ecuador.
Guyana’s bid for glory will be led by Compton Caesar for the males and Kenisha Phillips for the females. Caesar has been dubbed the “fastest U-20 sprinter in the Caribbean; while Phillips, who has the best time for the females, was recently upstaged in the 100 and 200 metre races by teammate Onasha Rogers.
Overseas teams participating in the meet have already begun arriving. The first teams came in on Wednesday, and teams have continued coming in until today. Guyana will be represented by a team of 50 athletes, representing its biggest ever contingent at any international meet. Guyanese are encouraged to come out in their numbers to support their team.
Tickets, costing $500 each, are available at the Leonora Synthetic Track, White Castle Fish Shop, the LOC office on Light Street, and the head office of the GOA. These tickets are for admittance for the morning and evening sessions.
