Guyana to host major continental events as Archery Guyana secures executive roles

Guyana’s growing influence in global archery was firmly established at the World Archery Americas (WAA) Continental General Assembly in Tlaxcala, Mexico, where the nation successfully pitched its credentials as a premier sport tourism destination ahead of a historic double-header of international tournaments later this year.

The General Assembly, which brought together 32 member associations and two associate members from across North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean, saw a high-level Guyanese delegation outline major infrastructure and hosting plans to the global archery hierarchy.

Archery Guyana President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon delivered a keynote presentation highlighting the nation’s readiness to host both the Inaugural Caribbean Archery Championship and the eighth edition of the Caribbean Development Championships.

Both events are scheduled to run concurrently at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence in October 2026.

The bid received substantial backing from the highest levels of Guyanese sport administration, including a special video address from Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle.

Speaking on behalf of the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Ninvalle reinforced the government’s commitment to regional cooperation and sporting development—a message well received by delegates, including World Archery President Greg Easton.

To capitalise on the interest, the Guyanese delegation distributed promotional packages curated by the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, offering international representatives a taste of local culture through regional magazines and Guyanese honey.

Beyond promotional success, Guyana secured significant administrative victories during the constitutional and electoral proceedings of the Congress.

Persaud-McKinnon topped the polling to win the election to the WAA Gender Equity and Inclusion Committee, reflecting the continent’s confidence in her leadership.

Guyana’s representation was further bolstered by the appointment of Archery Guyana board member and Assistant Secretary Ryan McKinnon to the WAA Marketing Committee, while Assistant Treasurer Saeed Karim served as one of three official scrutineers overseeing the democratic process.

In the main executive elections, Maria Emma Gaviria was re-elected as President of World Archery Americas and subsequently named Sergio Font as Secretary General for the upcoming four-year term.

“Attending my first World Archery Americas General Assembly in person was truly an incredible experience,” Persaud-McKinnon said. “The Assembly provided an excellent platform for collaboration, learning, and relationship-building that will_undoubtedly benefit archery development in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean.

“The overwhelming support shown for Guyana’s upcoming hosting demonstrates the confidence that the international archery community has in our ability to administer and host high-quality competitions.”

The governing body extended its gratitude to the Guyana Olympic Association, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson, and National Sports Commission Minister Steven Jacobs for their continued support of the federation’s international development programmes.

Attention now turns to October, where the local organising committee will welcome the continental archery community to Georgetown for a landmark moment in the region’s sporting history. (Modified Press Release)