The tense political climate has not only affected schools and businesses, it has also impacted the hosting of sporting activities.
The Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) National Youth and Junior Track and Field Championships is just one of them.
According to president of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, the two-day event, which was scheduled to run off this weekend at the National Track and Field Centre, has been postponed to June 20-21.
Hutson cited “the present political climate” for the postponement of the annual fixture.
“With the present political climate, we had to push it back, a lot of athletes specifically the ones from out of town were concerned about their safety and well-being.”
The AAG incumbent disclosed that another factor for the postponement was due to the remarkably low amount of registrants.
“At the CARIFTA Trials we had about 100 athletes and for this championship we were looking at that number also but currently we only have around 20 entrants.
Hutson however noted that “we got a go ahead letter signed by King (the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sport, Alfred King) to use the facility so it is definitely on there.”
The AAG head disclosed that the National Youth and Junior Track and Field Championships will come on the heels of the National Senior Championship (June 7) and an international meet where Guyana will be represented. “Following the seniors, the weekend after that we have a team going out so that is why we targeted the June 20-21 dates.”
Jason Yaw, Cassey George, Avon Samuels, Andrea Foster, Matthew McKenzie and Compton Caesar are some of the standout athletes scheduled to compete at the championships.
Note: The 33rd annual Independence three-stage cycle road race was also billed to be staged this weekend. That too had to be postponed due to the political climate. (Emmerson Campbell)
