Dear Editor,
Come 2020, it’s the 60th edition of the Ministry of Education in collaboration the Guyana Teachers Union’s National Schools Championship which is the highest level of athletes sports in Guyana. In my humble opinion, planning should be kick-started by the planning committee as early as January 2020 if we want this event to be ‘Grand.’
I do have a few suggestions which could be considered.
Space allocations are in abundance at all three venues namely: National Park, Aquatic Centre and the Leonora Synthetic Track (LST). Perhaps the focus can be on the latter venue (LST) because of this aspect of the event which is more supported by sports enthusiasts.
Invite as many agencies and NGOs to take up a booth space to share education. The Guyana National Library should be the ideal institution to grace the occasion and use this event to distribute literature pieces to athletes from all Regions and the public at large. Perhaps we can help in this manner to keep the old tradition of reading alive.
Perhaps an additional ‘stand’ to accommodate spectators could be considered. This will be a tough one with funding.
An entrance donation fee of $20 could be paid by adults attending and all monies collected, could be divided equally among all competing districts and used towards the purchasing of spike footwear. This could help each district with an athlete/s for the year after.
Let us include the physically-challenged athletes by invitation to have a couple of race events. This is referred to as an invitational race/s. It is very important because Guyana does not have events for the physically challenged to the level of Nationals.
White could be the official colour of the 60th edition in the sense of having the Leonora Track decked out only with white flags. Perhaps 60 white pigeons could be let loose by a physically- challenged athlete as a symbol of neutrality and if that is hard to come by, 60 huge white balloons can be a substitute. This would be for the Opening Ceremony and let it be a “Wear White” day…Just wear a one piece that is white.
The opposition party of the day must be invited along with the Diplomatic Community.
The Guyana Police Force Music Band should be present and I believe there are a few bands around that are associated with the Seventh Day Adventist Fraternity which could be included. I would love to witness the Guyana Police Force Mounted Branch (officers on horseback) at the opening ceremony with some role to play, but I am no expert in planning.
Editor, a few days ago I penned an article to all four major newspapers and it slipped me to make mention of the following who were present at the just concluded Nationals 2019 and played a pivotal role, namely the Guyana Red Cross Society and the media.
Guyanese-born and internationally acclaimed singer, Mr. Eddy Grant, his brother Mr. Rudy Grant and colleagues were also present with support during Nationals and Minister Christopher Jones also graced the event.
Yours faithfully,
T. Pemberton
