Ramson urges athletes to use Heritage Games as springboard

…As 2023 edition officially opens

The 2023 edition of the annual Heritage Games opened on Wednesday night at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown with much pomp and splendour.
Some 792 athletes are set to compete in various sporting disciplines in these Games; and this year’s Heritage Games have been dedicated to the memory of the 20 children who lost their lives in the Mahdia School Dormitory fire that occurred in May 2023.
With each of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions being amply represented at these Games, intense competition is anticipated in football, cricket, archery, track and field, and swimming.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, had an inspiring story to tell at the event’s opening ceremony — that of Region One footballer Analis Vincent. “She came down to one of the Heritage Games as a teenager 16 years old, and got recognized at the Heritage Games, called to a trial by the GFF, and she was selected as a teenager to represent Guyana (as a member of) the Lady Jaguars. Coming all the way from Region One and playing in the Heritage Games,” the Sport Minister related.

Speaking of Vincent’s progression to the senior women’s national team, and her acquisition of a scholarship to study and play in the United States of America (USA), Ramson encouraged this year’s athletes to view the Heritage Games as a platform to propel their athletic and academic careers.
“I wanted to trace that story for you, because I want you to understand that this is a platform; every single opportunity that you have ever had, that took you to this point, is a platform, a stepping stone to where you’re going to go next,” Ramson Jr shared.
The Sport Minister did not there end his encouraging words, as he cited the far distances and often disenfranchised situations that athletes have had to overcome to compete in the Games. As such, he had further words of assurance for those gathered.
“Many people see their circumstances, which may not be fortunate, as a reason for discouragement and abandonment of their dreams. I want you to know that those unfortunate, or circumstances that are not favourable for your success, are not reasons for your being in any way disadvantaged,” he declared.
“Many times, those circumstances make you work harder and overcome far more, and it makes you stronger. And I want you to know that just being here today, all of you are already winners,” he added.
Also in attendance at the Heritage Games’ opening were Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) all-rounder Keemo Paul, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, and Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton.
The Games are scheduled to conclude on Sunday, October 1st, at the same venue.