The French Guiana delegation is set to arrive in Georgetown today as anticipation builds for the 2025 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), scheduled for December 5 to 7.
They will join host nation Guyana and neighbouring Suriname for one of the region’s longest-running youth sports exchanges.
Over 130 student-athletes, ages 14 to 18, will compete in basketball, futsal, chess, volleyball, swimming, and track and field. With the exception of futsal, all disciplines will feature both male and female athletes.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, said Guyana is fully prepared to welcome the visiting delegations, noting that all competition venues have undergone recent use through national and regional events.
“We’re happy that our venues are all in competition shape,” Ninvalle stated. “Guyana has hosted several major events at these facilities, so we’re confident that everything is in place.”
Futsal and basketball will take centre stage at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, while the National Gymnasium will host volleyball.
Swimming events are slated for the National Aquatic Centre, with athletics scheduled for the National Track and Field Centre, which will also host the Opening Ceremony at 09:30h on December 5. Meanwhile, the National Racquet Centre will serve as the battleground for chess.
Ninvalle emphasised that the IGG provides more than just athletic competition, adding that “the IGG is a great learning experience for the children participating. The whole experience is a learning process for them, and for us, that is very important.”
As the final preparations wrap up, Ninvalle reaffirmed Guyana’s readiness to deliver a high-quality event.
The Director of Sport noted, “I’m happy that we can stage this year’s IGG at a very high level. Everyone is pleased with what we have to offer, and now it’s time to focus on having a competitive Games.”
Ninvalle pointed out that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has been working closely with local sport federations to ensure Guyanese athletes are well-prepared to defend home soil.
First held in 1967, the Inter-Guiana Games remain a cornerstone of youth development and cooperation among Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
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