An interdisciplinary sports tournament can be modelled to represent Region 9 at the annual Amerindian Heritage Sports
The 2024 Amerindian Heritage Sports are scheduled to be held in Georgetown over the period 11th-15th September. As per norm, each administrative region is allowed to field teams in all the disciplines in what has become an eagerly anticipated annual event. It also allows our indigenous brothers and sisters a chance to participate on the national stage. It is imperative that all regions across Guyana be given equal opportunity to participate in as much of the disciplines as possible.
For Region 9, it has been the norm in years gone by for its Regional Administration to send male and female teams to participate only in football at the Heritage Games. This begs the question as to why Region 9 does not send cricket and volleyball teams as it is a known fact that both sports are very popular in the Region. Some of the best athletes and archers in the country come from the Rupununi but they are not given the opportunity to represent the Region. The Amerindian Heritage Sports provides an ideal opportunity for youths from across the
Region to be recognized nationally in every sports discipline on offer and all efforts should be made to ensure they are given equal opportunities to participate in this event. For some, the Games can be a life changing event.
The Regional Administration of Region 9 should take a more proactive approach to sports and youth development. One suggestion going forward would be to hold Regional Games about one month prior to the Amerindian Heritage Games where teams from across the Region would compete in all the disciplines and the champions given an opportunity to represent the Region. If I am not mistaken, this model is already being used in some other regions. Regional Games without a doubt will be very popular in the Rupununi, increase and enhance social cohesion, provide an economic boost to villages and communities, and without a doubt reinvigorate sports in the Region. Guyana is now an oil producing economy and we can afford to hold initiatives such as Regional Games. In my opinion, such initiatives encourages healthier lifestyles in a world where health issues such as
obesity and cardiovascular diseases are becoming more prevalent.
In conclusion, for too long, piecemeal approaches to youth and sports development with no real vision have been the norm. Investment in youths is one of the most important factors in the development of a country. If the President’s dream of a One Guyana is to be realized, then sports’ programmes and initiatives must be properly thought out and equitably administered, especially at the local levels. Let us hope 2024 can see a comprehensive rethink in how sports initiatives and programmes are implemented in Guyana’s largest geographical region.