-champion community to get $500,000 for development
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony said the ‘Day of Interaction’ it hosted in Region Six was a success and as such it will be adding a component that will allow the best sporting teams to win money for small projects.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the ministry is now focusing on developing community sports and from this year another category will be added to the National Sports award. Residents participated in games such as softball cricket, circle tennis, volley ball, chess, table tennis, karate, dominoes and athletics.
Neighbourhood Develop-ment Councils will select communities that have done well in sports for the Champion Community award where the winner will be given a trophy and a monetary prize of $500,000 which can be used to execute a small project or to purchase sports equipment. A prize will also be presented to a primary and a secondary school for their participation in sports.
Anthony said he was impressed with the sportsmanship displayed by the female cricketers and pointed out that the ministry plans to create a female softball cricket competition.
In addition, Permanent Secretary Alfred King said since the ministry hosted the premier day of activities it has noticed a tremendous transformation in communities. The ministry is formulating a structured sports guide for sports development in Guyana including an aspect for community participation. King said the ministry recognises the importance of sports in community development, in bringing youths together and nurturing them and providing them with life skills that will empower them to make contributions that will develop their communities and the nation.
According to GINA, PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar commended residents for participating in the event; noting the importance of sports in aiding the development of good habits.
Regional Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha also noted that such events help to build relationships between the NDC and the communities.
