By Avenash Ramzan
The Guyana Police Force on Friday began the final day of its annual Track and Field Championship at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, with Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton declaring the event open.
The championship, which has been held over the last few days, attracted athletes from the Guyana Police Force and other forces from around the Caribbean.
After Dr. Norton, declared the event open, the athletes did a relay which culminated with the lighting of the torch by five athletes.
Minister Norton told the athletes that as law enforcement officials, sports can go a far way in strengthening the impact they have on the Guyanese society.
The Minister told the officers that their involvement and promotion of sports at the community level can have a positive influence on the country’s young men and women who have fallen prey to social ills.
This, he said, paves the way for life-changing mentorship.
“I am quite pleased to have been asked to declare open, the commencement of the finals. But before doing so, I want to remind you that as law enforcement officials, sports can go a far way in strengthening the impact you have on the Guyanese society. Through sports, you have the power to empower,” Dr. Norton said.
“Sport is an effective tool that can help to build trust with members of the communities that you have responsibility for. And truth be told, this trust can be one of the most effective weapons you could ever carry.
More importantly, sports help to foster the holistic development of any individual. So ladies and gentlemen, when you leave here today, I hope that your interests in athletics remain as vibrant, and be put to good use.”
The event, being held as part of the Force’s 179th anniversary, will conclude under lights this evening.