Permaul, Peterson lead Team Guyana as flag bearers at historic CAC Games

Archery’s Devin Permaul and Taekwondo standout Ceili Peterson proudly hoisted the Golden Arrowhead on Friday evening, leading Team Guyana into the iconic Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the XXV Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The selection of the duo by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) recognises their steadfast commitment, dedication, and sporting excellence on the international stage.

They are at the helm of a 55-member Guyanese delegation set to compete across 10 sporting disciplines at the prestigious regional event.

Permaul stands as one of Guyana’s most experienced archers, having represented the nation at numerous major international multi-sport games.

A consistent force in international competition, he currently holds a World Archery ranking of 451, boasting a career-best global ranking of 157.

Peterson, one of Guyana’s premier elite martial artists, competes internationally in the Women’s -49kg division.

Masterfully balancing high-performance sport with her academic pursuits in kinesiology, Peterson has worn the national colours at several major events, including the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago and the 2025 FISU World University Games.

Her impressive resume also includes a silver medal at the 51st Dutch Open Taekwondo Championships in October 2024.

The 2026 CAC Games, running from July 24 to August 8, mark a monumental milestone, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the oldest continuously staged regional multi-sport event.

Friday’s spectacular Opening Ceremony matched the historic occasion, treating spectators to vibrant cultural presentations, more than 200 performers, and a breathtaking drone light display that celebrated a century of athletic excellence across the region.

The Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association extended its heartfelt congratulations to both Permaul and Peterson on the distinction of serving as flag bearers.

The GOA also expressed its absolute best wishes to all Guyanese athletes and officials as they step up to make the nation proud throughout the centennial Games.