The National Schools Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships, commonly called ‘Nationals’, will make a return after two years on November 27 – December 2.
Both the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union are happy to see a return and believe there is immense enthusiasm by all which should pave the way for bigger and better competition.
The launch of the 60th edition was held on Thursday at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora, which will also be the base for the event from November 29.
Providing an overview of the upcoming event, President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mark Lyte, stated that over the course of six days, the nation’s best student-athletes and teachers from the 15 districts will compete for medals and bragging rights in swimming at the National Aquatic Centre, cycling at the National Park and Track and Field at Leonora.
On Monday, November 28, the National Park and the National Aquatic Center will be packed with cyclists and swimmers.
Delivering brief remarks at the launch earlier this afternoon, Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, stated that the Ministry of Education has prioritized sports development in the education system. He explained that sports form part of the ministry’s agenda to produce well-rounded students.
“We believe that significant investments were injected by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Education for the development of sports in schools. So, this is a big thing on the agenda because our national strategic plan speaks clearly to the promotion of sports because what we intend to do is to build the whole man speak to the body, the soul, and the spirit.”
Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters, expressed that the company has been the championships’ biggest supporter over the years.
He noted that the company remains committed to supporting the development of Guyana’s youth through education and sport.
In 2019, District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani), won the Championships for a fifth consecutive year and it meant 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 host 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.
