Guyana strengthens archery presence at World Archery Americas General Assembly

Archery Guyana Inc has strengthened the country’s presence in the continental archery community following its participation at the World Archery Americas General Assembly in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
The General Assembly, held on Monday, June 22, 2026, brought together representatives from across the Americas under the continental body responsible for the promotion and development of archery in the region. Guyana was represented by Archery Guyana President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Executive Board Member and Assistant Treasurer Saeed Karim.

A major focus of Guyana’s participation was the country’s upcoming hosting of two regional events in October 2026. Persaud-McKinnon delivered a presentation on Guyana’s role in promoting sport and sport tourism through the staging of the inaugural Caribbean Archery Championship and the eighth edition of the Caribbean Development Championships.
Both events are scheduled to be held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The presentation drew strong interest from member associations, with several countries indicating their intention to attend and support the championships.
The congress included 32 member associations and two associate members, and Guyana’s participation was noted as part of the country’s growing role within the international archery community.
As part of the presentation, a special video message from Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle was shared with delegates. Speaking on behalf of the National Sports Commission; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; and the Government of Guyana, Ninvalle welcomed the archery community to Guyana and highlighted the Government’s commitment to sport development, regional cooperation, and future growth.
World Archery President Greg Easton was also in attendance, along with delegates from North, Central and South America and several Caribbean nations.
The Guyanese delegation also used the opportunity to promote the country as a tourism and sport destination. Delegates received promotional packages that included Explore Guyana magazines, pens, keyrings and samples of Guyanese honey, giving them an introduction to Guyana’s culture, hospitality, and tourism offerings.
During the Assembly’s main proceedings, elections and constitutional matters were conducted. Karim was appointed as one of three scrutineers responsible for overseeing the process and ensuring that the values and validity of the World Archery Americas Constitution were upheld.
Maria Emma Gaviria was re-elected as President of World Archery Americas. Following her re-election, she announced the appointment of Sergio Font as Secretary General for the next four-year term.
Guyana also secured representation on key committees within the continental organisation. Persaud-McKinnon received the highest number of votes among candidates for the Gender Equity and Inclusion Committee and was elected to serve on that body.
Her election was described as a reflection of the confidence placed in her leadership and her commitment to promoting inclusion, participation and opportunity within the sport. In addition, Archery Guyana Board Member and Assistant Secretary Ryan McKinnon was appointed to serve on the World Archery Americas Marketing Committee.
Reflecting on the experience, Persaud-McKinnon said attending her first World Archery Americas General Assembly in person was an important moment.
“Attending my first World Archery Americas General Assembly in person was truly an incredible experience. I was extremely impressed by the professionalism displayed throughout the Congress and grateful for the opportunity to meet so many colleagues from across the continent with whom I had previously only communicated virtually,” she said.
“The Assembly provided an excellent platform for collaboration, learning and relationship-building that will undoubtedly benefit archery development in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean,” she added.
Persaud-McKinnon further noted that the support shown for Guyana’s upcoming championships demonstrated the confidence the international archery community has in the country’s ability to organise and host quality competitions and development initiatives.
Archery Guyana expressed appreciation to the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana for supporting the promotional materials used during the Assembly. The Federation also thanked the Guyana Olympic Association and its executive for their continued support of archery as an Olympic sport.
The federation also extended gratitude to Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs; and the National Sports Commission for their support of its international engagement and development programmes.
Archery Guyana also thanked World Archery Mexico and its President, Gabriel Ramos Rodríguez, for the organisation and hospitality provided during the General Assembly and related activities in Tlaxcala.
The Federation said it remained committed to strengthening the governance and development of archery locally, regionally and internationally, while looking forward to welcoming archers from across the Americas to Guyana in October 2026.