From Emmerson Campbell in Suriname
Following an encore performance by the army’s brass band before the start of the XX Inter Guiana Games (IGG) here in Paramaribo, Suriname yesterday, the country’s Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Ismanto Adna trumpeted the importance of the Games and assured its continuity.
During his speech at the Andre Kamperveen Stadium before the three delegations, Adna also encouraged the athletes competing in the second leg of the annual event to represent their respective countries “in the best way possible” while adhering to the rules and regulations.
“We want sports to develop consistently and therefore want to give the youths the ability to be aware of the benefits of sports
and physical activity in order to have a healthy and productive community.
You are here to represent your country in the best way possible, do this with honour, respect and conviction.”
Adna added “We would like to express our feelings of satisfaction, appreciation and joy to host the IGG 2014 in Paramaribo, Suriname and we must do everything possible to ensure the continuation of these Games in the upcoming years.
Respect the rules and regulations. Go for victory, but most of all play fair. I wish you all good luck and may the best team win.”
The Minister then declared the Games open.
Guyana will take on French Guiana and the hosts in badminton, chess, cycling, table tennis and volleyball during the three-day event which started yesterday.
Unfortunately, Guyana will not contest football.
Before Adna’s speech, Guyana’s Director of Sport, Neil Kumar stated that the local delegation was pleased to be in Suriname and looked forward to three days of sporting rivalry.
Kumar noted that the countries “have the youth at heart” and echoed Adno’s sentiments of continuity. He further noted that the Games helps to strengthen the ties of the Guyanas in the same breath assuring that Guyana will field football teams next year.
Speeches were also made by head of the French delegation, Jean Claude Mariema, and Suriname’s Permanent Secretary of Education, Robert Peneux.
