Governance, membership and safety standards discussed at NSC meeting with GSSF

Press Release from the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation

The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) recently attended a strategic meeting with the Director of Sport, Mr. Steve Ninvalle, at the office of the National Sports Commission, together with the two Assistant Directors of Sport- Ms. Melissa Dow-Richardson and Mr. Franklin Wilson- signalling a renewed commitment to collaboration, transparency and the sustainable development of sport shooting in Guyana.

Representing the Foundation at the meeting was Director Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, who led discussions on governance, membership growth, safety standards and the Foundation’s forward programme.

During the engagement, the Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, sound financial management and best-practice governance. The Foundation also has updated externally audited financial statements.

Director Persaud-McKinnon confirmed that training and practice sessions will resume, pending the availability of approved shooting ranges, as part of its phased return to structured athlete development.

The importance of corporate sponsorship and institutional support was highlighted as critical to the growth and sustainability of the sport. It acknowledged all the companies coming on board in support of competitions, training, and operational needs.

These partnerships underscore the central role of safety, discipline and professional standards within sport shooting.

The GSSF also addressed participation trends within the sport. While sport shooting remains a traditionally male-dominated discipline, there has been a notable increase in female and women sport shooters in recent years. However, participation remains a challenge.

Director Persaud-McKinnon outlined the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to encourage greater female involvement.

“We are building a sport that is safe, well-governed and inclusive. Encouraging more women into sport shooting is not only about numbers, it is about opportunity, confidence, and long-term development,” Persaud-McKinnon noted.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between the National Sports Commission and the GSSF to continue engagement, improve access to facilities, and strengthen pathways as the Foundation advances its national development agenda.