Directors of Sport of Suriname (L) and Guyana (R) with IGG Goodwill proposal
Despite French Guiana’s withdrawal from Inter Guiana Games (IGG) this year the highly anticipated event will go ahead, however this time it will be a bilateral event featuring Guyana and Suriname and it is expected to be held in Guyana in the month of October.
This update was announced to the media yesterday after a delegation from Suriname comprising its Director of Sport Luciano Mentowikvomo met with Guyana’s delegation which was led by Director of Sport Christopher Jones at the National Sports Commission at Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.
According to Jones the agenda of the meeting was to discuss the preparation for the hosting of the IGG. “The IGG is usually between Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname, unfortunately French Guiana will not be able to participate so essentially we are looking at a Goodwill Game that would be between Guyana and Suriname. The proposed month is October, but of course we will have to confirm same with the associations and federations here in Guyana and Suriname about their availabilities to participate in the month of October.
Both countries are committed and Guyana will host this leg and in 2017 will host again with the expectation of French Guiana returning. For these games in October which is dubbed IGG Goodwills we are exploring the option of inviting one of the Caribbean nation as a guest to participate in those games. Having said that we (Guyana and Suriname) will sign the minutes confirming the meeting that we had here today and moving forward what we have agreed to, before handing to our respective Government. After this meeting this morning we will be going to the various location to do a sight visit to confirm the availability of facilities here in Guyana to host the various disciplines. Once our various associations here in Guyana agree for participation in October then a delegate from here will go to Suriname to signed that protocol agreement,” the Sports Director detailed.
Subsequent to Jones opening remarks, Mentowikvomo gave a brief speech. He mirrored most of what Jones had to the say, but added, for Suriname the IGG games is very important. There are very valuable games that has be ongoing for decades and it is also important for the relationship of the two country.
In concluding his brief speech, the Dutch Director of Sport ended on an anecdote showcasing his humorous side, “No matter what happens between Suriname and Guyana Geographically we will always be each other neighbours. Guyana or Suriname cannot say we don’t like this place anymore let’s go to Europe or Africa.”
Both delegation shared the sentiments that the games are used as an initial step in their athletes’ progression to higher levels. This was pointed out in Suriname’s basketball players’ evolution and some of Guyana’s swimmers as well according to the representatives of both country.
There were no specific reasons for French Guiana’s withdrawal, however, Jones said the challenge the three countries had in the last year was general and regional election, and with that, there is always some aspect of changes in administration and policies but of course he could not speak definitively for French Guiana.
Based on the timings of the IGG games the disciplines in this year event would be confirm after meetings with the various associations and federations. This is to avoid any clash with other regional or international events. Jones is set to meet with these entities next week Tuesday to know the way forward.
Meanwhile, Mentowikvomo said the event gives the Dutch athletes exposure and it is there they get to see how good they are or what they are lacking. So for the development of talent it is very important. And the country has benefitted from the investment in the athletes to the IGG games because they perform better when they elevate to higher levels.
The Suriname delegation also suggested to the inclusion of Futsal for the first time at the games, an idea which was greeted positively by the local committee.
