As the three-day bonanza of the Inter-Guiana Games, renamed the ‘Goodwill Games’ due to the non-participation of French Guiana, concluded at a the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Sunday night, Suriname had the most wins in the 12 event tournament.
The Directors of Sport for the two countries exchange the official results
Over the three days, sporting fanatics were treated to some of the most gruelling competition across the various facilities as hundred of energetic patrons flanked each venue.
Guyana and Suriname would have participated in seven disciplines across four venues, but when the dust had settled, Guyana would have amassed a total of 80 points, 11 points short of the Dutch-speaking nation after earning seven points for second and nine points for a victory. Unfortunately the hosts only managed to dominate in Athletics, Male Volleyball and Table Tennis.
In front of a packed CASH, the Director of Sport Christopher Jones, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Surinamese for coming over and playing one of the best tournaments since the Games began back in 1967.
Jones also signalled the longevity of the Games, noting that he, along with his team are pledging continued support for the Games and most notably the fact that under his watch, every edition of the Games will see the Guyana team receiving as much support as possible and guaranteed success in every discipline.
The entire crowd at the CASH rose to their feet in appreciation and applauded Jones as he went on to say that it is through events like this that the nation could develop further in sport and is confident that soon sport will be full-fledged in the school system and is confident of his administration’s support to sport.
Similarly, Surinamese Director of Sport, Luciano Mentowikromo wished well for the future of the Games and thanked the host nation for the hospitality and warm welcome, having catered for a massive 187 touring party.
Mentowikromo also pointed out that this was a very good form of strengthening ties with our neighbours, highlighting the fact that the youths will one day become leaders as we move to the future, seeing this event as a bridge between the countries.
National Sports Commission Chairman, Ivan Persaud lauded the crowd’s energy, as well as the goodwill of the athletes, deeming the Games a successful one with all eyes on 2017.
Each team also exchanged a token of appreciation, symbolising the spirit of good sportsmanship as they look to 2017 where hopefully, the Games can see a return of French Guiana and possibly Guyana hosting the event once more.
Suriname would have won the Male and Female Basketball, Female Volleyball, Male and Female Swimming, Badminton and for the first time Futsol.
