“I encourage you to make friends, because they will last for years. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, because winning is not everything, just as long as you do your best.”

With these few words President Jagdeo, the patron of the event, also pledged his continued support for the championships, saying it was a vital part of the country’s development.

The president noted that sport was vital to the development and in fostering unity within the country.

He also congratulated the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union who, in collaboration with Banks Malta, organised and sponsored the event.

Speaking before His Excellency, Senior Councillor of Region 4, Ernest Elliot, welcomed everyone to the ground and also congratulated the organisers and sponsors of the event.

President Jagdeo had earlier taken the salute at the march past by the 16 teams, dressed in a kaleidoscope of colours. The officials were smartly dressed in their white caps, blue tops and black bottoms. At the Enmore Community Centre ground, there was a good crowd, which comprised schoolchildren, parents and guardians and the general public.

Taking the salute with the president, were Public Relations Officer of Banks DIH Ian Hercules, Minister of Education Henry Jeffrey, GTU President Sydney Murdock and Elliot.

District 4-East Coast of Demerara won the March Past, having been smartly attired in their black outfits with a white stripe in the middle of the chest.

The defending champions Upper Demerara, Region 10, dressed in their gold and black outfit brought up the rear.

Athlete Diane Munroe read the Athletes Oath, while Fonseca Peters read the Officials’ Oath before the Games Torch was ignited.

The torch was brought into the ground by national distance athlete, Delcie Dick, before Region 10 athlete Cleon Coppin ran 200m on the 300m track and lit the torch to the rhythm of claps and cheers.

From there on it was smooth sailing as the organisers presented prizes to the various winners of the swimming championships that concluded on Tuesday at the Enmore Estate Swimming Pool.