Rupununi athletes to compete at Golden Mile

Indigenous leader Mark Rodrigues has confirmed that several athletes from the Rupununi will be traveling to Georgetown to compete in the upcoming Golden Mile that is scheduled for Sunday, March 12 at the National Park Circuit.

In a press release from the Jefford Track and Field Classic, Rodrigues said that both junior and senior athletes are coming out of the region to compete in the prestigious event.

He further indicated he is getting support from the Region to make this effort a reality.

“We are waiting on the confirmation of some athletes from the Deep South and once we confirm those, we will be coming out in advance to get some training in at the venue. We are looking forward to this event because we know our athletes can make a big impact,” Rodrigues stated.

Traditionally, athletes from the Rupununi have dominated middle-distance and distance events in Guyana. Several of them have gone on to represent Guyana regionally and internationally.

In addition, several of the athletes from Region Nine are prominent performers in the annual National Schools Championships.

“Our athletes have been asking for opportunities such as this to come and showcase their talents to the nation and we are happy that Jefford is providing it for them. We know that our athletes will ‘give them a run for their money’. As it is now, we are looking at eight athletes coming out, but we will confirm the exact numbers when we register next week.”

The Jefford Track and Field Classic organisation is leading the resuscitation and rebranding of the Golden Mile.

The event has received the blessings and support of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG).

Founder of the Jefford body, Edison Jefford said that vision of the event is to create a premier platform for middle-distance athletes.

He said that the AAG has committed to using the Professional Meet Management System and its timing system to enhance the administration of the competition.

“We will have all our mechanics in place, live entertainment; our finish line will be professionally done in line with International standards; we will have branding and decor; we believe that we are putting Guyana on show and our athletes on show so everything will be professionally done; we will leave no stone unturned,” Jefford said.

He indicated that the aim is to create an event that is second to none in Guyana. Jefford said that the experience for the athletes must be memorable, including how they are rewarded and compensated.

According to him, athletes will be competing for training grants, educational grants, vouchers, hampers and medals.

Jefford said that the athlete that breaks the four-minute barrier in the Mile will win a special prize.