NSC contributes to YBG, Jefford’s Track and Field Classic

─ clubs, coaches, athletes encouraged to register on time

The National Sports Commission (NSC), in continuing its support for grassroots sport, officially handed over its contribution to Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) and Jefford’s Track and Field Classic X on Friday at its Homestretch Avenue Office in Georgetown.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, has said such support for sport is a prerequisite for the development of sport in Guyana. Jones has lauded the efforts of both organisations, indicating that they are both established entities in their efforts to mobilise sports at both the community and schools’ levels.
Founder of the Jefford Track and Field Classic, Edison Jefford, thanked Jones for his support, and said the Director of Sport has been very consistent in terms of his contributions to development of sport. Jefford said Jones’ scope spawns every discipline, and such dynamism is required to continue to thrust sports forward.
The Jefford Track and Field Classic X will be held on Sunday August 11 at the MSC Ground in Linden. Jefford used Friday’s opportunity to appeal to coaches, clubs and athletes to register on time in order to compete.
Registration closes on Tuesday, August 30, and Jefford expresses optimism that the process would be smooth.
“All coaches and athletes should use this opportunity to compete and earn at the same time. I have already secured the cash prizes, thanks to our generous donors, and I am hoping that the events can be as competitive as possible, with mass participation from the athletes. I don’t think any coach should deny their athletes this unique opportunity,” Jefford said.
Athletes will compete for a total of $2 million. Each event carries a total purse of $80,000, with the winner taking home $40,000, second place $25,000, and third place $15,000; each along with memorabilia medals.
The Champion Male and Female athletes would benefit from $25,000 worth in Under Armour Sports Gear, and $25,000 cash along with trophies; while the top three finishers in the school boys and girls 150m will take home hampers and medals.
For patrons, there will be 10 gate prizes up for grabs.
Jefford has said the event is geared to be a celebration of athletics and athletes in Guyana, and as such, the athletes must be the biggest winners on the day, hence the lucrative prize structure will be the most ever given away at a single athletics meet in Guyana.