Ninvalle confirms return of historic Inter-Guiana Games after five-year absence

Following an unfortunate five-year absence, the historic Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) will make a welcome return, as Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle, confirmed the inking of the agreement upon his return from Cayenne, French Guiana.

The experienced sports administrator was Guyana’s primary representative at the important discussions in the French department of Cayenne, which featured highlevel delegations from both Suriname and the hosts.

Gabriel Serville, President of the Assembly of French Guiana, spearheaded the host nation’s discourse, while Surinamese Director of Sport, Gordon Tjouw Ngie Touw, led the Dutch speaking nation’s delegation.

Ninvalle, during a brief comment with Stabroek Sport, revealed, “President Ali had promised that the IGG would return under his stewardship. This has become a historic reality. It was confirmed and agreed upon in a documented manner, that the IGG will be staged in Guyana. This is another ambition that has become a reality.”

He further stated, “The Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr will declare the dates of the IGG very soon. All three countries are in agreement on the resuscitation of the games. This is certainly a historic moment, given the cultural and sporting impact and history associated with the games.”

First held in 1967, the IGG is normally an annual affair, with the last games being hosted in Suriname in 2017.

Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana are the nations that will compete across the disciplines of football, volleyball, basketball, cycling, swimming, and athletics (track and field). The disciplines of chess and badminton were recently added to the list of sporting events.

The Inter-Guiana platform is of cultural significance, which is rooted in sport, education, and technological exchanges in an effort to forge stronger ties, trust, and overall unity between the respective nations.