Guyana dominates track & field as Inter-Guiana Games opens

Guyana delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the 2025 Inter-Guiana Games at the National Track & Field Centre, sweeping several marquee events and reinforcing its regional sprinting and middle-distance dominance.
In the Girls 14-18 100 m, Quinyla Burnette surged to victory in 12.30s, followed closely by compatriot Nyah Gravesande, giving Guyana an early Gold-Silver finish. French Guiana’s Jozuana Dawane secured third in 12.60s. The boys’ sprint was equally impressive, with Guyana’s Ezekiel Millington clocking a swift 10.80s to edge teammate Deuquan Farrell, who finished in 10.88s.
Guyana continued its medal sweep in the 400 m events. Tianna Springer captured the Girls 400 m title in 57.40, while Tishawn Easton powered to a 49.07 win on the boys’ side, with teammate Ade Sealey just behind in 49.81. Middle-distance athletes also shone: Adanya Glen and Kamayra Lacon secured a 1-2 finish in the Girls 1500 m, while Ebo McNeil and Jonathon Bristol dominated the Boys 1500 m, finishing in 4:12.00 and 4:18.40, respectively.
In distance action, Guyana added another gold through Esther McKinnon, who won the Girls 3000 m in 11:09.50, narrowly holding off French Guiana’s Clara Delpey. The field events maintained the trend: Courtney Haynes cleared 1.90 m to win the Boys’ High Jump, completing yet another Guyanese sweep with teammate Yanick Williamson finishing second.
Guyana’s throwers contributed significantly as well. Nathaniel Samaroo claimed the Boys Discus Throw with a mark of 34.13 m, while Beyoncé Chandler topped the Girls Shot Put at 9.59 m.

The day concluded with dominant relay victories. Guyana’s Girls 4×400 m squad clocked 4:17.50, and the boys’ team followed with a strong 3:35.10 finish to close a stellar day for the host nation. Suriname and French Guiana trailed in both events.
Nearly 500 athletes and officials from the three territories – Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname – are in Guyana for the event, which runs from December 5 to 7, and features a range of sporting disciplines aimed at fostering camaraderie, development, and international exposure for young athletes.
At the opening ceremony, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, in his remarks, emphasised the importance of the Games in supporting youth development and strengthening regional ties.
“…Our opportunity to host and it is also a representation of President Ali’s vision,” Ramson said. “After seven years of hiatus – which is really sad, because – for that hiatus to happen – because this year is an investment in youth. You can’t say that you are investing in athletes and you’re not investing in the Inter-Guiana Games.”
Highlighting the significance of the age categories and the competitive disciplines included, Ramson noted that for many young participants, this event serves as their first exposure to international competition.
“These games are very important; this is their first experience with international exposure and competition,” he said. “The fact is that these games will always help to develop talent of young people, especially at that very early age. So, we’re very happy to have it in the country.”
The three-day tournament will see athletes competing in track and field, chess, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and futsal.
As teams settle in and competitions begin, the atmosphere around Leonora and other communities is charged with anticipation, pride, and friendly rivalry. For many young athletes, the 2025 Inter-Guiana Games offer not only an opportunity to represent their home countries but also to build lasting regional friendships.
The Games will conclude on Sunday, December 7, with medal presentations and a closing ceremony celebrating the achievements of the region’s rising sporting talent at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.