Historic shift!

The 2017 edition of the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships will usher in a new era of positive change.

In a historic shift from the traditional grass tracks, the annual fixture for the first time in Guyana will be staged at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) certified synthetic facility at Leonora. Also for the first time, the athletes’ performances on the track and in the field will be authenticated by the IAAF since it is now sanctioned by the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG).

Said President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson. “We will be using the internationally recognized FAT (Fully Automatic Timing) system. Everything will be done to international standards.”

These and other details of the 57th staging of the nation’s premier schools sporting event were disclosed yesterday during its official launch at the Ministry of Education on Brickdam.

According to Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) President, Mark Lyte, this year’s ‘Nationals’ promises to be the best ever.

Lyte stated that he welcomed the shift and in the same breath noted that all systems are in place for a successful event scheduled for November 27 to December 1. Beginning at 09:00hrs daily, Cycling and Swimming will kick start the championships simultaneously on November 27 at the National Park and the National Aquatic Centre.

Athletes will get in the blocks a day later at the National Track and Field Centre. Other speakers at the head table included: Corretta McDonald (General Secretary, GTU), Marcel Hutson (Chief Education Officer, GTU), Vibert Welch (Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Education) and Clayton McKenzie (Banks DIH Non Alcoholic Brand Representative).

They all collectively encouraged citizens to support the event with their attendance and states their desires to witness intense rivalry among the top student athletes and teachers from the 15 Districts across Guyana.