16 education districts competing for top spot of National Schools Championships
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 17 November 2011 10:48
- Written by Super User
The Education Ministry and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is currently pulling off its 51 annual National Schools Athletics, Cycling and Swimming Championships, 2011 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, with participation from 1600 students and officials, from the various education districts.
The championships which commenced on Monday will end on Friday, and will encompass meets in athletics, cycling, swimming and other events. Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh and other Education Managers, and officials from the event’s main sponsor – Digicel witnessed the parade of the districts. Education Minister, Shaik Baksh noted that corporate Guyana has been making significant contributions to sports in the Education system, and this year is one of the best for sports where support has been garnered in basketball, cricket, volleyball and softball.
“Sports and physical education in the schools is a part of our strategic plan because we consider sports an integral part of the education process,” he said. Minister Baksh noted that this focus has resulted in hundreds of students sitting sports and physical education at the Caribbean Secondary Certificate Examination (CSEC), with 100 percent passes recorded. The Minister urged the athletes to perform to their best despite the inclement weather. Over the years the Education Ministry has been promoting the concept of well rounded students. Thus far the Ministry has been able to develop several school grounds to be used for physical activity and sports while schools are also provided with sports gear.
Permanent Secretary-Education Ministry Pulandar Khandai acknowledged the contribution of Digicel, which provided the uniforms for the athletes, teachers and organisers. General Secretary –GTU, Coretta McDonald while delivering her remarks emphasised that the championships have played an integral role in fostering development in youths since it signals another quest for excellence.
“Our aim is to ensure that students are rounded and excel both in and out the classroom as they acquire the skills that will serve them good when they enter the world of work,” she said. McDonald stressed that the involvement in sports is an essential part of a broad and balanced education since it demonstrates the values of cooperation and team-work, it teaches the need to abide by the rules and regulations, emphasises importance of self control, and how to take victory and defeat with good grace. As such, sports will always play an important part in the social welfare in this and other generations to come.
In light of challenges experienced by both the athletes and trainers, McDonald assured that out of these championships will emerge many stars. She encouraged the athletes to do their best when representing their various districts and Guyana. Chief Executive Officer- Digicel, Gregory Dean commended the organizers for keeping the championships alive for 51 years. He noted that Digicel is supporting the event since it believes that competitive standards are being built, and will result in Guyanese excelling in sports at all levels; as was seen when in a recent match between Guyana’s Golden Jaguars and Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors.
He urged the athletes to interact with those from the various Administrative Regions so that they can learn more about Guyana.
Last year the championships received sponsorship from Digicel, Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited, Guyana UK Sports Development Association, Giftland OfficeMax and Kashif and Shanghai. This support from corporate entities aids the Ministry of Education to effectively carry out the planned events.
