Athletes encouraged to ‘make their mark in history’

– as 57th “Nationals” declared open

At Sunday’s opening ceremony of the 57th National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships, some 1500 student-athletes were told to make their mark at this year’s history making edition.

Following a colorful parade of districts for this year’s Nationals, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton highlighted the importance of sport during his feature address.
“Sporting events play a major role in bringing Guyanese from all walks of life together. It is a powerful medium for social and economic change” Norton declared.
The Minister then pointed out that activities like the Championships also pushes athletes to be aware of their talent to potentially become future Olympians.
He added that the government recognizes the important role that sports plays, not only for social cohesion, economic and national development but also for education.
Further, Norton reminded that as a result, the government has been keen to provide substantial finances and attention towards the development and enhancement of sporting facilities, gears, training equipment and the inclusion of sports in the school’s curriculum.

Another keynote speaker, Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry then emphasized that the inclusion of Physical Education in the school’s curriculum was very timely as it is a well-known fact that there is a correlation between a sound mind and a healthy body.
“If we are to produce mentally alert, energetic and healthy children, then they must be involved in sport and games.”
During Henry’s address, she also quoted Nelson Mandela an anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”
Brief remarks were also made by Regional Executive Officer of Region Three (3), Denis Jaikarran and General Secretary of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald.
The championships begin today with the cycling events at the inner circuit of the National Park from 07:00h while swimming will be hosted at the National Aquatic Center in Liliendaal from 09:00h.
The track and field events will continue on a daily basis from Tuesday for the remainder of the week at the Leonora venue with action starting at 09:00hrs.