The 58th edition of the National Schools Track and Field, Cycling and Swimming Championships has commenced and Minister of Education of Nicolette Henry is urging athletes from the 15 competing districts to conduct themselves in a proper manner and abide by the fair rules of play.
The annual athletic showpiece for student-athletes has returned for a second occasion at the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
The six-day event commenced on Sunday, where Minister Henry delivered the opening remarks and charged the numerous students and teachers to produce their best but do so in keeping with the rules of the competition.
‘Nationals’ presents a platform for close to 1600 pupils to showcase their talents. It is here modern-day specials like Daniel Williams, Compton Caesar, Claudrice McCoy, Chantoba Bright among many others scripted a name for themselves.
The Minister envisioned that others can replicate the successes, given there are always scouts piercing their eyes for new talent.
“This championship is important to the process of harnessing the talent of our developing student-athletes. This championship is a sports scout’s paradise because it showcases our top athletes who I know will go on to represent our country both regionally and internationally,” Minister Henry reckoned.
District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) has won the competition 16 times and will be on the hunt for a third consecutive title.
Last year, the ever-improving South Georgetown (District 13) finished second, while 14-time champs North Georgetown (District 11) was third.
The tradition of the 10k race being the first event continued and it saw District 10’s Sheama Tyrell winning, followed by Marcia Andrews of District Nine (Rupununi) in second and Leah Harris of District One (North West) third.
For the boys, District 11 (North Georgetown) maestro Ricky Williams soared to first, followed by Darrell Darvis of District Six (Corentyne) and Morvin Hamilton of District Five (West Coast Berbice).
