ExxonMobil Youth Relay Festival to re-ignite local Track and Field

National record-holder Arinze Chance is gearing up to re-ignite Guyana’s passion for track and field with the ExxonMobil Youth Relay Festival.

The event, set for July 21 at the National Track and Field Facility, will see 16 schools from across Guyana competing in a relay format.

Chance, the lead organiser for A Record Chance Inc., believes the relay format is key to both increasing athlete participation and generating exciting competition.

“The inspiration for the festival is to revitalise track and field,” Chance explained. “We believe using relays is the best way to get more athletes involved and create a captivating experience for the crowd.”

Schools will field combined teams representing Georgetown, Linden, Berbice and Essequibo. Athletes will be selected based on their performances at the National School Championships, ensuring high competition.

“We understand the importance of a strong foundation,” Chance said. “The school system provides the best structure for athlete development in Guyana right now. We want these young athletes to excel not only on the track, but also in the classroom.”

The ExxonMobil Youth Relay Festival will also feature an invitational category, open to clubs and individually registered athletes recognised by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG).

This element aims to provide a platform for elite relay teams to showcase their skills and inspire the next generation of Guyanese track stars.

The event will commence at 10:00h and is expected to conclude by 18:00h, promising a day packed with thrilling races and renewed hope for Guyana’s track and field future.

Each of the age categories- Under-16 and Under-20- will be eligible to compete in the following relay events:

4x100m Relay: Each team consists of four runners and each runner covers 100 meters before passing the baton to the next runner

4x200m Relay: Similar to the 4x100m relay, each runner covers 200 meters before passing the baton

4x400m Relay: In this longer relay event, teams of four runners each cover 400 meters, requiring both speed and endurance

Sprint Medley Relay: 200m, 200m, 400m, 800m legs complete the relay.

Mixed 4x400m Relay: Teams of four runners, two males and two females, each cover 400 meters in this relay event. The order for this inaugural edition will be left open to the school’s discretion.

Open athletes will compete in the following events: 100m, 800m, 4x100m Relay, Mixed 4x400m Relay