Athletes told to aim for Olympics

Let the games begin.

Following the exhortation of the athletes to aim for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil from President of the Guyana Teacher’s Union, Colin Bynoe, the 53rd Guyana Teacher’s Union/Ministry of Education (MOE) National School’s Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships was officially declared open by acting president, Samuel Hinds at the Providence National Stadium.

During Hinds’ address he extended best wishes to the athletes and the championships and expressed his appreciation “To the GTU and the Ministry of Education who are again partnering to bring off these championships that brings together students from all over Guyana.”

Acting president, Samuel Hinds addressing the athletes before he declared the 53rd Guyana Teacher’s Union/Ministry of Education (MOE) National School’s Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships open. (Orlando Charles photo)
Acting president, Samuel Hinds addressing the athletes before he declared the 53rd Guyana Teacher’s Union/Ministry of Education (MOE) National School’s Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships open. (Orlando Charles photo)

Hinds added that he hoped that the students give their best in order to bring glory to their districts and their regions.

“These athletes represent the cream of athleticism within our schools system and I expect the competition to be fierce and friendly.”

The acting president also thanked all the stake holders who helped in the preparation of the track and field athletes, swimmers and the cyclists.

“May all of your efforts be rewarded and I hope all of you display a high level of discipline and sportsmanship,” Hinds added.

Priya Manickchand
Priya Manickchand

The ceremony also included the march past of the 16 districts and the lighting of the torch by athletes from the defending champion district, District 11, all done to the rendition of steel pan music.

Brief remarks were also made by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Digicel’s Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James

There was also a physical display by dancers of the Lodge Secondary School and a display by the Karate Association.

Some major sponsors of the championships include Digicel, Courts, Giftland Office Max,  DDL and Banks DIH Limited.