GOA, GTA boost AAG with $1.4M

As the South American Under-20 Championships approach sharply, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Thursday handed over donations totalling .4 million in support of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) hosting of the games this weekend at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

At a simple presentation ceremony held at the Local Organising Committee (LOC) office on Light Street, the GOA, which was represented by Vice President Godfrey Munroe, handed over a cheque for $1 million, while GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh gave $400,000. Collecting on behalf of the AAG was President Aubrey Hutson, who expressed gratitude for the support at such a critical time.

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, (left) handing over the sponsorship cheque to AAG President Aubrey Hutson

Speaking on behalf of the GOA, Munroe highlighted, “Being a junior event, it is of particular interest to the Association in ensuring that the focus is on the development of junior athletes and this is one such development. It’s going to be a mega event and we want to congratulate the AAG… [for undertaking] the hosting.”

Meanwhile, for the GTA, the donation is part of the Authority holding true to its promise to throw its support behind the development of sports tourism in Guyana. Just two months ago, the body held a sports tourism seminar advocating for the development of Guyana as a sports tourism destination.

GOA Vice President Godfrey Munroe, (left) handing over the sponsorship cheque to AAG President Aubrey Hutson

“The GTA is proud and pleased to be associated with the AAG and the hosting of this mega South American Championships. We came on board as a sponsor to help directly in the area of hospitality services for these visitors, so that they can go back and be good ambassadors in promoting Destination Guyana.

“We’ve done a number of other things, providing flags, doing some marketing and PR, assisting with tour packages,” Haralsingh explained.

Overseas teams travelling for the meet already began arriving on Wednesday, and will continue coming today.

A team of 50 athletes will be representing Guyana, the biggest contingent of Guyanese athletes to ever represent at any international meet. Guyanese are encouraged to come out in their numbers and support their team. Tickets are available across the country for $500.