IGG talks deemed a success; Ninvalle confirms Guyana ready to host December 5-7 event

Guyana’s Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle has hailed the recent trilateral meeting between Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana as a resounding success, describing it as a major step forward in preparations for this year’s Inter Guiana Games (IGG).

The Games, which bring together the best young athletes from the three territories, will be staged in Guyana from December 5–7.

Ninvalle travelled to Paramaribo over the weekend for critical discussions surrounding the staging of the championship, where he was joined by Sophia Darlington Browne, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Guyana in Suriname.

According to Ninvalle, the three countries not only mapped out a framework for the upcoming Games but also reviewed last year’s edition, which was hosted in Cayenne, French Guiana.

French Guiana’s delegation was led by Gilles Le Gall, CTG Elected Official in charge of Sports, alongside CTG Director of Sports Tatiana Tisserand, CTG Administration representative Johann Lafontaine, interpreter Abby-Gill Acton, and Christian Brosseron, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of France in Suriname.

Suriname’s contingent featured Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Lalinie Gopal, Director of Sport Enrique Ralim, and senior members of the country’s School Sport Federation.

This year’s IGG will focus on student-athletes between the ages of 14 and 18. However, the sporting disciplines are yet to be finalised, with Ninvalle pointing out that the countries agreed to give their respective federations time to decide which sports will be included.

At last year’s Games, the athletes competed in athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, chess, futsal, swimming, and table tennis.

“The meeting, by all indications, was a success. There’s a high degree of enthusiasm for the IGG by all three countries, and that is important,” Ninvalle said.

He added, “As you know, Suriname has a new Minister of Sport, and I’m happy to see that they came in understanding the importance of the IGG. They are fully committed to supporting the Games.”

A follow-up virtual meeting of the Organising Committee is set for Wednesday, where further outstanding matters will be addressed.

First staged in Suriname in 1967, the Inter Guiana Games were designed to strengthen ties and foster friendships between Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana through sport.

Over the years, the event has become a vital platform for young athletes to showcase their talent while promoting unity and cultural exchange.

The Government of Guyana, under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Games, recognising their role in building character among youth and in promoting sport as a vehicle for social development.

With Guyana as the host in 2025, Ninvalle expressed confidence that the country will deliver a memorable edition of the IGG.