The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) are both thrilled about the highly anticipated return of ‘Nationals’ following a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year will mark the 60th edition of the event and during the formal launch yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre, speakers from the Ministry and the union voiced their excitement about the spectacle which will be staged from November 27 to December 2 at various venues.
President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mark Lyte, in his remarks stated that over the course of fixture, the nation’s best student-athletes and teachers from the 15 districts will compete for medals and bragging rights in swimming at the National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal, cycling at the National Park in Georgetown, and athletics at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.
On Monday, November 28, the National Park and the National Aquatic Center will become hives of activities as the cyclists and swimmers will take centre stage from 09:00hrs. A day later at Leonora, track and field action will commence from 10:00hrs.
Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson, stated that the MoE has prioritized sports development in the education system. He underscored that sports form part of the ministry’s agenda to produce well-rounded students.
“We believe that significant investments were injected by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Education for the development of sports in schools. So, this is a big thing on the agenda because our national strategic plan speaks clearly to the promotion of sports because what we intend to do is to build the whole man which speaks to the body, the soul, and the spirit.”
Dr Hutson further called on students to be supportive of their peers during the competition. He also commended the National Management Committee for its dedication in ensuring the event is hosted successfully.
Also delivering brief remarks was Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters. The local conglomerate has traditionally been the championships’ biggest supporter. Peters expressed appreciation for being part of the event and stated that the company remains committed to supporting the development of Guyana’s youth through education and sport.
Also present at the launch were members of the management committee, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Alfred King; Deputy Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson; along with students and teachers from schools in Region Three.
