…“You have the ability to beat the best in the world” -Ramson
Scenes from the CJIA as family members and stakeholders welcomed the CYG 2023 team
There was much pomp and splendour at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri on Saturday afternoon as stakeholders, family members and well- wishers welcomed home Guyana’s 8- member 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games team
The team consisting 5 track and field athletes and 3 swimmers wrapped up their participation in the Games on Thursday, August 10th, with 4 medals going towards Guyana’s tally.
All four of those medals were won on the track as Guyana went on to shatter the CYG 4X400M Mixed relay record.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson, Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President Godfrey Munroe, Assistant DoS Franklin Wilson, National Sports Commission, (NSC) Chairman Kashif Muhammad and acting President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Amanda Hermonstine, were only a few of the dignitaries were amongst those welcoming home the athletes with cheers, flags and floral arrangements.
“You have the ability to beat the best in the world,” Sport Minister declared to the beaming athletes in the airport’s arrival lounge.
Ramson went on to share with the young athletes, “Everything that we do from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport side, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, national Sports Commission, our newfound partner in the Guyana Olympic Association and the Athletics Association of Guyana, everything that we do from our side is really for the realization and the expression of your talents.”
“You have made us proud, not just your parents, not just your family, not just your friends, not just your community, you’ve made the nation proud. And every time I see you guys running at those events, or playing different sporting events of which, our performances have really improved over the last year or so, I get goosebumps.”
Ramson continued to praise the team’s outstanding performances, stating, “Just like I get goosebumps now, not because I’m nervous or not because I’m not good at public speaking, but because it really is a special feeling to know that you have been able to leave our country, go and show the world what we’re about, show them that we’re capable of being the best.”
Ramson also revealed that the Government of Guyana has taken notice of the stellar performances of the Guyanese athletes over the past week.
“I want you to be aware and I want the country to be aware that the Cabinet is paying attention. The President has actually asked me to make sure that you get a proper welcome,” the Sport Minister shared.
Guyana claimed 2 Gold, one silver and one bronze at the Youth Games that were held in Trinidad and Tobago. One Gold came from the 4x400M team of Tianna Springer, Javon Roberts, Malachi Austin and Narissa McPherson, who clocked 3 minutes, 22.07s to shatter the meet record. Springer and McPherson copped Gold and bronze in the Women’s 400M event, while Austin sprinted to silver in the Men’s 400M event.
