District 10 creates history with another ‘Nationals’ triumph

“Talent wins an event, but Teamwork wins the Championship.”

That’s the motto of District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani), who won the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships for a fifth consecutive year when the 59th edition came to a close Friday evening at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

The significance of the win means they have now tied with District 11 (North Georgetown) for the most consecutive overall championships. District 11 achieved the feat from 1980-1984.

The win for the lads in gold and black means it is now 17 titles in the cabinet, three more than former powerhouses District 11.

District 10 secured 68 points in the overall Championship race, while District 11 with 59 points came second and hosts West Demerara (District Three) came third with 52 points.

South Georgetown (District 13) got fourth with 51 points and East Georgetown (District 12) came fifth with 45 points.

In Track and Field, District 10 amassed 786 points, way ahead of District Four (East Coast Demerara) on 490 points and District Six (Corentyne) 485.50 points. East Georgetown (District 12) and hosts West Demerara (District Six) rounded off the top five with 456 and 403 points respectively.

The cycling title was retained by District Six, while District 11 extend their dominance in swimming and the Teachers’ title went to District 3.

General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union, Coretta McDonald, urged the athletes to continue to find ways to improve given the numerous record-breaking feats which occurred over the six days.

A total of 44 records were broken in Track and Field events (for both students and teachers).

She further envisioned that the 60th edition could be held in Linden or Berbice given the construction of synthetic tracks in those areas.

Additionally, McDonald called on the government of Guyana to invest more into the Championships.

Head of Political Division at the Ministry of Presidency, Frederick McWilfred, affirmed that the next Championship can be held in either of the two aforementioned sites.

McWilfred added that Government will be indeed be able to place more funds into Championships given 2020 will be the inaugural year of oil and gas.