Govt will ensure athletes reach “greatest potential” in sport, says President Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has said his Government intends to create an environment that would generate “the best” opportunities for Guyanese athletes to reach their “greatest potential”.
He made the statement during a ceremony for the Vigilance Sports Ground Enhancement Programme, held earlier today int that East Coast Demerara community.

“I intend to create an environment in which we can achieve our greatest potential in sports, and our athletes can be given the best opportunities to create history for themselves and this country. We are going to make the investments,” the President has promised.
The President said this does not only require Government’s support, but support from the Private Sector.
Direct support for athletes
The Government, he noted, would create an academy for national athletes, where they will have “the right nutrition, the right training facility, and the right environment” to take the country forward and give themselves “a great opportunity for the future”.
Several young athletes from Vigilance and neighbouring communities were present at this event. Among them was top sprinter Ezekiel Newton, who participated in the South American U18 Games in Brazil and won a silver medal.
President Ali has told Newton that the Government would support him fully in his professional pursuit. “We will ensure that we put the resources, and make resources available to give you the best possible training and all that you need now to take your career forward, because we believe in you,” President Ali has promised Newton.
The President noted that the Government would sit with its partners and the relevant stakeholders to identify the gaps that need to be filled to give athletes the best possible options for their careers. Athletics coaches have also been tasked with preparing their athletes in the next four months to perform for scouts, so they can have the opportunity to “demonstrate that they are capable of being in the best programmes”.
In an effort to ensure that athletes also take advantage of educational opportunities, the Head of State disclosed that he intends to meet with athletes early next year.