Sport Associations laud NSC for first-ever “Black Tie” Awards

Several sport associations across Guyana have voiced their appreciation for the refreshing changes to the national Sports Awards hosted recently. This year’s event, spearheaded by the National Sports Commission (NSC), was the first to ever take on the “black tie” dress code, producing a classy, stylish affair for the nation’s athletes and sport stakeholders.

Cricket
The Guyana Cricket Board shared about the high-level affair, “The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) proudly commends the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) for hosting a truly remarkable awards ceremony in honour of our outstanding athletes of 2024. The evening was nothing short of inspirational—a touching celebration filled with pride, gratitude, and the vibrant energy that reflects the very soul of Guyanese sport. As the Ministry’s first official Black Tie event, the ceremony carried an added sense of elegance and prestige that beautifully showcased the respect and admiration our athletes so richly deserve.
The Gala evening, highlighted by the National Sports Commission’s announcement of nominees across every sporting discipline, was a powerful reminder of the dedication, sacrifice, and passion that fuel sporting excellence in Guyana. It was a night where administrators, performers, and champions were recognised for their tireless efforts and extraordinary achievements. Under the astute and visionary leadership of Honourable Minister Charles Ramson Jnr, the MCY&S continues to raise the bar with every initiative undertaken. We are confident that with the addition of Minister Steven Jacobs, the Ministry will be even more empowered to reach greater heights and inspire even more success.
The GCB also wishes to express heartfelt commendation to the National Sports Commission for its unwavering commitment and steadfast service to the sports fraternity across the nation. Your dedication continues to strengthen the foundation on which our young athletes and sporting communities thrive.
Finally, the GCB extends warmest congratulations to all award recipients. May this recognition fuel your passion, strengthen your resolve, and open the doors to even greater achievements in the years ahead.”

Chess
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) wrote, “The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) was pleased to see the Hon. Charles Ramson Jr MP, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport following up on his promise of a gala award ceremony for athletes and officials as announced. The GCF congratulates all the winners in every discipline.
The Federation is pleased with the investment being made in infrastructure and athletes. Chess has had significant support and engagements which charters the path for development of our sport.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) approach of working with the GCF to target specific needs has created a growing partnership and will fast tract the implementation of many of the programmes in future.
We are truly working in an era of unprecedented collaboration towards development of tour sport and sports across the board.”

Basketball
Association of the year awardee, the Guyana Basketball Federation noted, “Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) president, Michael Singh, has hailed the transformation of the National Sports Awards, praising its new black-tie format and the elevated prestige surrounding the ceremony.
The event, hosted for the first time as a formal gala since its inception in 1956, showcased a renewed commitment by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) to honouring Guyanese sporting excellence.
The GBF captured the coveted Association of the Year award, a recognition Singh says the federation deeply appreciates.
However, he noted that the most impressive aspect of the occasion was the enhanced organisation and presentation of the ceremony, held this year at the Pegasus Corporate Suites.
Singh said the National Sports Awards have reached a new standard, stating that the NSC and the Ministry have “most certainly lifted the profile of the National Sports Awards.”
He further highlighted the introduction of monetary incentives as a significant step in motivating athletes and associations. According to Singh, this addition not only boosts the prestige of the awards but also provides an important morale lift for those striving to elevate their respective disciplines.
“The introduction of monetary incentives certainly adds to the prestige of the Sports Awards, and it gives our athletes and associations the moral booster needed to keep pushing the limits in sport,” Singh remarked.
The GBF is the latest organisation to commend the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, led by Minister Charles Ramson Jr, and the NSC under Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, for the improved production and professionalism of the event.
Singh said the black-tie ceremony reflects the country’s growing appreciation for its athletes and sporting bodies.
With the revamped National Sports Awards now setting a new benchmark, Singh believes it will inspire federations and athletes across Guyana to continue striving for excellence.”

Badminton
Meanwhile, the Guyana Badminton Association shared, “The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) is pleased to join the national sporting community in celebrating this year’s National Sports Awards Gala. This event plays an important role in recognising the outstanding achievements of our athletes, coaches, and administrators, and in highlighting the continued growth of sport across Guyana.
We extend sincere congratulations to all nominees and awardees. Their commitment and discipline reflect the true spirit of excellence.
The Association also takes this opportunity to express deep appreciation to the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport for their sustained support. Government investment in sport has had a positive and measurable impact on the development of badminton through enhanced facilities, expanded training opportunities, and assistance for participation in regional and international competitions.
This support continues to strengthen our athletes’ performance and contributes significantly to the advancement of the sport.
The GBA remains committed to working closely with the Government as we pursue our long-term goals, including wider youth participation, improved coaching capacity, and the aspiration of qualifying a Guyanese badminton player for the Olympic Games.
Together, we will continue to elevate badminton and foster national pride through sport.”