Independence track & field meet returns May 19-20

– 85 athletes already booked for intense competition

The track and field competition, which is being organised by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG); the Guyana Overseas Based Sports Association and the Social Cohesion Department, was first hosted to commemorate Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary in 2016.
The third edition is expected to be hosted at the Leonora Track and Field Centre on the West Coast of Demerara on May 19-20. The competition is open to athletes as young as eight years of age. AAG President Aubrey Hutson revealed that there was a US$10,000 budget, so accommodation, transportation and meals would be provided for the athletes with the help of the Social Cohesion Department.

The track and field meet is expected to be larger than previous years and the AAG is anticipating participation from over 100 athletes. AAG Administrative Coordinator James Cole disclosed the number of registered athletes thus far, who hailed from 13 clubs.
“Our preparations are on stream in terms of clubs sending in their entry forms; to date we have 85 persons who would have registered and registration is opened until the 17th,” he said.
Over the years, the parties involved have strived to better the competition so as to provide a better platform for the local athletes. Last year’s games saw the introduction of hurdles and steeple chase, two races that are not popular locally.
Guyana Overseas Based Sports Association President David Thomas disclosed that next year’s event would be improved upon by inviting international athletes to participate.
“Next year, we will try to make this an international event. As Mr Hutson right fully said competition is the key to success, but international competition always makes us better,” he stated.
The former athlete explained that inviting competitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries improved the level of competition for local athletes. “We have a nice programme planned for next year for our athletes and those we intend to invite.”
The action begins at 10:00h and there will be an entrance fee of $300 for those who wish to visit the event. Aside from medals, the professional athletes will receive cash prizes.
“We’re encouraging people to come out and support our athletes… These are the future of Guyana’s track and field that are going to be on show, so just come out and support,” Hutson urged.