Expanded, more competitive Jagan Memorial Windball tournament bowls off March 3

The 10^th edition of the Cheddi and Janet Jagan Memorial Windball Tournament was officially launched on Thursday (February 27) at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, promising an expanded and more competitive event this year.

Unlike previous editions where only schools from Regions Three and Four competed, this year’s tournament will see representation from schools across all administrative regions except Regions One, Eight and Nine.

The organisers cited logistical challenges as the reason for their non-involvement, but assured provisions would be made for their future participation.

The expansion was made possible through significant support from the National Sports Commission (NSC), which has helped broaden the scope of the event.

Allister Munroe, the tournament’s organiser, confirmed that the competition will commence on Monday at the National Gymnasium for schools in Georgetown.

The tournament’s schedule aligns with significant dates in the Jagans’ legacy, with matches set for March 6 at Port Morant and the final scheduled for March 28.

Boys’ teams will compete in the Cheddi Jagan Division, while the Janet Jagan Division will showcase the talents of female participants.

Last year’s edition saw a exciting competition, culminating in an exciting final where Annandale Secondary of Region Four emerged victorious in the Boys’ category, while Leonora Secondary of Region Three took home the title in the Girls’ division.

Speaking at the launch, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle hailed the tournament as an example of what can be achieved through teamwork and government support.

“This is a really fascinating event we’re having. It shows how much we can achieve when we work as a team. It shows how much determination, it shows how much tenacity has been put into this (tournament)…but with our teamwork, led by the Honourable Minister Charles Ramson Jr, we have been seeing inclemently, the rise of sports in Guyana,” Ninvalle said.

According to Ninvalle, “Last year, we did not have the involvement of as many schools and as many regions as we have this year, and it shows Government’s commitment too, because we have promised that we would’ve had a gymnasium, we promised that we would’ve had multi-purpose facilities just like the gymnasium and that is what we’re having…it says that we can replicate what we’re having in Georgetown, in other regions. This is a microcosm of how Government is working.”

The Director of Sport further pointed out: “We want to make sure that we can touch every Guyanese and everyone can be a part of the Development. Infrastructural work as it relates to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, is something that is priority and if you look at the budget for this year, which has moved to eight billion dollars, it tells you a lot of what is going on regarding infrastructure.”

Ninvalle also took the opportunity to pay tribute to the tournament’s namesake, Janet Jagan, describing her as a “stalwart, a legend, and a strong woman.”

He encouraged young participants to study her life and draw inspiration from her resilience.

“She stood tall, she stood strong. That is empowerment for you youngsters,” he remarked.

“There were many hurdles she overcame, and there will be hurdles you will have to overcome. Take a page from her book and push forward.”

Windball, a fast-paced variation of cricket, is a widely played sport in Guyana, often serving as a gateway for young athletes to transition into traditional cricket.