The newly elected executive of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) has received a strong endorsement from the government. Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. pledged full support and challenged them to raise the nation’s track and field profile.
During a meeting at his office on Tuesday, Minister Ramson Jr. reiterated the government’s belief that track and field holds the key to Guyana’s next Olympic medal.
He emphasised that “we are more than willing to make sensible investments” to turn this aspiration into reality.
Guyana’s sole Olympic medal remains the bronze won by boxer Michael Parris at the 1980 Moscow Games.
Minister Ramson Jr. challenged the AAG to expand Guyana’s presence at regional and international competitions and to increase scholarship opportunities for junior athletes.
“We want to see Guyana’s track and field portfolio raised significantly,” the Minister stated, emphasising the government’s ambition for the sport.
Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President Godfrey Munroe echoed the Minister’s sentiments, urging the AAG to maintain the same passion they demonstrated during the election process.
Cristy Campbell, Deputy Chair of the National Sports Commission, and GOA Secretary-General Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon also stressed the importance of professional management and the use of modern technology.
Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. addressed the gathering.
At right is Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, while Deputy Chair of the National Sports Commission, Cristy Campbel,l is at left
AAG President Sheryl Hermonstine responded by outlining the new executive’s commitment to developing strategic plans targeting both junior and senior athletes, with a long-term focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The AAG’s immediate priority is preparing the team for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled for April 19-21 in Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely Crawford stadium.
The final trials will be held from March 22-23 at the National Track and Field Facility, and the squad will be finalised on March 24. Some athletes have already met the qualifying standard.
Sources close to the AAG indicated the hope is to have a team of over 30 athletes.
The government will again provide significant financial support for the team’s participation.
Upon returning from those Games, two-time Olympic 400m hurdles champion Felix Sanchez will further boost athletes’ development.
Sanchez will visit Guyana from April 22-28 to provide expert coaching as part of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s Academy programme.
The other elected officials are Mark Scott (First Vice President), Mayfield Taylor-Trim (Second Vice President), Dwayne Carter (Treasurer), and Niall Stanton (Assistant Treasurer).
The Committee Members are Dr. Ariane Mangar, Thelson Williams, Tyrone Smith, Osafo Dos Santos, and Towanna McCalmon.
The new executive appointed James Cole as General Secretary and Kenisha Headley as the Assistant General Secretary.
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