In photo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. Paloma Mohamed (at centre), flanked by Executive members of the Guyana Olympic Association. From right to left: Vice-President Ms. Cristy Campbell, Vice-President Mr. Steve Ninvalle, President Mr. Godfrey Munroe, and Secretary-General Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon
The Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and University of Guyana Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed met on Wednesday 9th August at the UG Turkeyen Campus to collaborate on a number of sports-related issues.
Godfrey Munroe, President of the Guyana Olympic Association, led his team, comprising GOA Vice-Presidents Steve Ninvalle and Cristy Campbell and Secretary-General Ms. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon.
The central objective of that meeting was to explore possible avenues/opportunities for collaboration, and development of synergistic partnerships/agreements between the University of Guyana and the Guyana Olympic Association, and by extension affiliate members, in the area of sports and academia.
In this regard, the following areas were discussed in-depth:
Establishment of a framework at the different faculty levels for the selection of areas of research, project student assignments that benefit sports and enhance the performance of athletes and national federations and University of Guyana sports programme. These would target the areas of marketing, sociology, communications strategy, strategic planning, computer science in the areas of software and database development, website social media engagement and use, science technology in the areas of natural science, biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, among other faculty areas.
Assisting the University with sports development through the support from programs the GOA can access through support funding provisions available through Olympic Solidarity, Panam sport and through support from affiliate associations and federations in helping to develop the University’s sports programmes.
Developing internships and scholarship partnerships among other areas.
Dr. Mohamed gave an overview of the university’s sports programmes (academic and practical), and also highlighted key partnerships being pursued and developed with the University of Wisconsin to propel curricula in sports studies and other areas. Here she intimated that the University is embarking on creating and undertaking a paradigm shift in operations, with sports becoming an integral part of student activities.
She also outlined the intention to develop sport fundamentals and sport facilities on campus through support funding arrangements being currently explored, as a means of enhancing and improving the student experience and development.
Further, the two entities discussed the approaches, protocols, strategies to be adopted in accelerating the collaboration, the specific areas for immediate intervention, and next steps.
The Executive Committee announced the recent Commonwealth Games Federation’s approval of the Equip Programme for Guyana. And as such, in the very near future, will seek to recruit a suitable candidate for internship from the University of Guyana pool of student/alumni. To support the developmental work of the Guyana Olympic Association through support funding provided by CGF Equip programme
Both organizations shared, and intrinsically believe, that the collaboration between the University of Guyana and the Guyana Olympic Association can yield significant benefits in the following areas:
Creating a cultural shift in the integration and use of data, research, and scientific approaches to guide and inform sports development and performance.
Create networks and clusters of personnel and different actors that come together to boost innovation in the sport sector, with University of Guyana and GOA each playing a key role.
Shape policy that enhances and improves sports development, among other areas.
The two organizations have resolved to work out details for an MOA to be signed, which will guide the collaboration between the two entities.
