UG launches investigation into University Games fiasco

The University of Guyana has reportedly launched an investigation into the recent sidelining of a national athlete for the FISU World University Games, for another individual, who eventually did not compete at the games.
The matter was put under the microscope earlier this week, after being highlighted by a popular Guyanese Sport Journalist.
It is being alleged that the athlete, who competes regularly on the local circuit and attends the University, was purposely overlooked in favour of a family member of one of the team’s officials.
The University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) were the first to speak out on the issue through a statement.
The UGSS statement read, “The University of Guyana’s Students’ Society has received several reports regarding the selection of the team that participated in the FISU World University Games in China. As a student body committed to representing all University of Guyana students and promoting transparency, we approach these allegations with utmost seriousness as they shed light on what can be serious acts of nepotism within the University of Guyana’s management structure.
“In accordance with our constitutional mandate to represent the best interests of all students, we firmly call upon the administration of the University of Guyana to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter and to hold those who may be responsible accountable for their actions.
“As the University of Guyana’s Students’ Society, we stand firm in our commitment to ensuring that all students of the University of Guyana receive equitable opportunities, particularly in the areas of sport and other extracurricular activities.”
Meanwhile, UG revealed on Thursday, “The Administration of the University of Guyana is deeply disturbed by questions raised around the selection of a team that represented the University in a recent international University sports meet.
“The Office of the Vice-Chancellor immediately responded to reports by launching an internal investigation on Monday, August 7th, 2023. The investigation is focusing on any breaches in the regulations, ethical guidelines, selection protocols, and disclosure expectations of the University. The investigation is expected to be concluded within two weeks of the team’s return to Guyana.
The University holds itself to very high standards and has been deeply concerned by reports about this matter. All efforts are being taken to verify, understand, and responsibly address the matter.”
According to information reaching Guyana Times Sport, the athlete in question had expressed an intention to compete at the Games in China and was grouped in with several other athletes. However, the athlete was later excluded from important team meetings regarding the Games, which raised early suspicions. It has also been alleged that the reason for the athlete’s exclusion at one point, was said to be was a lack of funds.
The non-athlete who reportedly made the trip to China with the Guyanese team did not compete at the Games.
At the same event, Somalia found themselves in the middle of a similar fiasco when a female athlete representing that country ran a lethargic 21-second 100m race. The Somali sprinter in question, Nasra Abubakar Ali, is allegedly related to Chairwoman Khadija Aden Dahir, who was later suspended from her post over the issue by the Somali Olympic Committee. The Country’s Ministry of Sport was made to publicly apologise over the nepotism issue.