Inter-Guiana Games confirmed for November 17-19 in Suriname

The 2023 edition of the traditional Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) will now officially be staged from November 17-19, following confirmation from host nation Suriname.

The confirmation by the Surinamese government of the event’s hosting immediately resulted in Guyana and French Guiana confirming their participation.

The historic event, which was initially pencilled for the October 26 to 31 window, was deferred for several weeks owing to a dearth of fiscal resources from the Surinamese administration.

The above-mentioned situation, which was initially related by the country’s Director of Sport, Gordon Tjouw Ngie Touw, to his Guyanese and French Guiana counterparts, has now been remedied.

Suriname previously staged the 2017 edition, which was the last iteration before the five-year hiatus.

An inspection of the facilities in conjunction with an official meeting amongst the directors of sports of the participating nations will occur on Thursday in Paramaribo.

The aforementioned forum is being conducted to concretize the game’s logistical apparatus.

Meanwhile, the eight disciplines that will be contested are: Chess, Futsal, Football, Lawn Tennis, Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball and Athletics.

The two disciplines that have been removed from the initial list of 10 sports following a request from the hosts are table tennis and badminton.

The staging of respective international competitions in the aforesaid disciplines during the same window is the primary reason for their removal from the competitive list.

The arrival date for the travelling delegations is November 16, while the departure date is slated for November 20.

A meeting with the representatives of the associations and administrators of the competing sports will be conducted on Monday by the National Sports Commission.

Guyana’s Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, said, “The confirmation of this important platform is welcome news to all the participating nations, which understand that its overall importance goes beyond the competitive realm, as it acts as a vital unifier amongst a historically and culturally linked people.”

He further said, “The Government of Guyana is fully committed to maintaining this avenue given its developmental and social value, and that this is evident and unequivocal given the role played in its resuscitation after five years of dormancy.”

The IGG was first held in 1967 and is traditionally staged on an annual basis. However, the games were rekindled last year by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government following a five-year hiatus, a period that encompassed the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2022 edition on local soil featured over 400 athletes and coaches.

The IGG not only showcases the future young athletes of the three countries, but it also serves as a cultural and educational platform. The IGG helps forge unity, trust and understanding among the peoples of the Guianas.

Editor’s Note: The host nation determines the disciplines