Yes! It has been confirmed. Commonwealth 400 metres gold medalist Guyana's Aliann Pompey is expected to arrive early tomorrow morning for the annual Barry Massy Games. However, two of the most powerful sports organisations in the country seem to be jockeying for publicity rights for the track and field star.
Insiders yesterday told Stabroek Sports that the Ministry of Sports and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) have both planned hectic activities for Pompey, who shot to fame with a stirring run in the 400m finals at last month's Commonweath Games in Manchester, England.
Although the GOA has reportedly paid Pompey's airfare and that of her father, who is now coming instead of her coach and she will be accommodated at the GOA' Olympic House, insiders said yesterday that the Ministry of Sports Youth and Culture seems to have usurped the role of the GOA.
Pompey is due to arrive on North American Airlines at around 5.35am tomorrow morning and Minister responsible for Sports Gail Teixeira has scheduled a private breakfast with Pompey and her father at 8.30am.
A press conference at the Ministry's boardroom is scheduled for 4pm and will follow a courtesy call on President Bharrat Jagdeo at 3pm.
Not to be outdone the GOA has planned an appreciation dinner for Pompey the said night.
And while the full itinerary will not be released until this morning everything points to a rather hectice scheduled for Pompey who departs next Thursday.
Stabroek Sports understands that a committee which includes representatives drawn from the Ministry of Sports and Culture, the GOA, the Ministry of Education, The Amateur Athletic Association and the Mayor and City Council was set up to look into the details of Pompey's visit.
The Barry Massy Games will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Uitvlugt.
President of the GOA K.Juman Yassin and secretary Ivor O'Brien are in Mexico attending a meeting of the Pan American Sports Organisations (PASO ) and could not be contacted for comment. O'Brien was due back yesterday. Minister Teixeira was in a meeting and was unavailable for comment.