The first Day of Interaction for this year, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport/National Sports Commission, gets underway today at the Better Hope Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara at 9.30am.

According to a press release, the aim of the ‘Day of Interaction’ is to “use sports to help protect our children from HIV/AIDS, drugs and to encourage them to live healthy lifestyles.”

It is also aimed at using sports as a catalyst to highlight and promote HIV/AIDS Awareness and give people, especially the youths, an opportunity  to live, play and compete in a friendly atmosphere.

Moreover, it also seeks to encourage “our people, especially the young, to use their energies in positive ways and stay away from violence and drugs.”

Some 500 participants from communities between Mahaica and Plaisance are expected to participate in various sports disciplines such as Softball Cricket, Football, Domino, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Circle Tennis, Martial Arts, Track and Field, Draughts, and Chess, among other disciplines.

Senior officials of the Government, Political Parties and Regional Administrators are expected to be present at the opening ceremony to make brief remarks.

Registration begins at 8.45am and concludes at 9.15am, and all communities are encouraged to register early.

Meanwhile, a big–ride event will also be staged at the grand Day of Interaction and Minister of Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony is billed to ride off the early morning event.