For the past 60 years student athletes excelling at the National Schools Swimming, Cycling and track and Field Championships are rewarded with medals and a pat on the back.
In the 21st century, the modus operandi for rewarding schools and collegiate athletes have shifted and there could be a shift in future ‘Nationals’.
This is of course if President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte gets his wish.
According to Lyte, there should be added incentives for athletes who excel during the longest tenured school’s championship in Guyana’s history.
Lyte, who was speaking to the media on the sidelines of ‘Nationals’ closing ceremony on Friday night, pitched the idea of scholarships. “We have to attach other incentives other than medals and trophies” said Lyte, who added, “We have to start thinking about scholarships for our athletes.”
Back from a two-year absence due to the pandemic, many athletes excelled during the event which celebrated its 60th staging. Several records were broken and an abundance of new talent emerged.
“We hope that going forward we can have the athletes that excelled having something more than just medals.”
Lyte says he plans to engage with the University of Guyana’
“We want to start working with the University of Guyana to try and develop a scholarship programme for athletes who excel in sports. We can offer that kind of scope for them to excel academically as well.”
Standout athletes all around the globe are offered scholarships for excelling at their sport and in the classroom.
The same could be implemented here as a reward if Lyte’s plans come to fruition.
