Close to 300 athletes to compete over 2 days at Leonora

The third annual Independence Track and Field Meet will commence today, and approximately 300 athletes are set to participate in this exciting event, which is to be staged at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
At a press briefing on Friday, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Huston, revealed that a packed itinerary is in store, and contingents are expected to bring their best performances over the next two days.
Huston reminded patrons that the facility has been built to negate the current inclement weather, so there will definitely be action, especially since all the athletes are eager to do well, given the stakes involved.
The event is organised by the Guyana Overseas-Based Sports Association (GOBSA), and one of its founders, Orin Thomas, explained that the event is basically “a talent-finding activity”. Thomas contended, “It is important to spot talent at an early stage, so they can be moulded into well-rounded athletes”.
He disclosed that athletes from as far away as Region Seven are listed to be on show at this meet.
Former national athlete Gordon Lewis, who is a part of the GOBSA, admonishes athletes to put their best foot forward, and be reminded that there is a world outside of the track, as he called for a balance between athletics and academics.
The group is already looking ahead to next year’s event, when competitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries would be invited to participate in the meet in order to improve the level of competition for local athletes.
The action begins at 10:00h, and entrance fee of $300 will be charged. Athletes will be rewarded with cash prizes.