National athletics set for March 9 to 12
Banks Malta on board
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
February 28, 2004
Permanent Secretary-Finance in the Ministry of Education Winston Brown (third left) accepts one of the championship trophies from Banks DIH Brand Manager Wayne Braithwaite. Looking on from left are Ian Hercules, Sydney Murdock, Edward Singh, Eon Austin an
The 2004 National Track and Field, Cycling and Swimming Championships are set for March 9 to 12 at the Enmore Community Centre Ground. The championships will be run off under the Banks Malta brand.
Speaking at the launching at the Banks DIH conference room yesterday, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary-Finance Winston Brown thanked co-sponsors Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and Banks DIH on behalf of the athletes. The GTU, which coordinates the championships, received sponsorship to the tune of $3.5 million from the ministry and a further $1.5 million along with a pledge of additional support. "The nation's children will be the beneficiaries," Brown stated.
According to Brown, the $3.5 million from the ministry will go towards off-setting the administrative expenses. "The union is running off the games and we cannot equate their cost," Brown said.
He said his ministry always focused heavily on sports, since sports and education make a rounded personality. He reminded that persons who might be adrift can learn to obey rules and sports can bring out the best in that person.
Banks DIH Brand Manager Wayne Braithwaite said it is fitting that Malta is sponsoring the championships since the beverage Malta will supplement and enhance the athletes' performances.
Braithwaite said he hopes the partnership with the ministry and the GTU will go a far way in benefiting the nation's youths.
Asked if Banks will sponsor the event again next year, Braithwaite said his company has always been at the forefront in responding to community needs, especially when the nation's youths are involved and hopefully next year Banks Malta and the GTU will be able to work something out.
GTU President Sydney Murdock, in a short address, thanked the sponsors. He said this is not the first time that Banks DIH is sponsoring a GTU activity, "but it is the first time that they are sponsoring to this magnitude."
Murdock said over the past couple of years the championships were sponsored by Nestle Milo, but when the union approached Nestle this year, it was unsuccessful in securing the sponsorship; luckily, Banks Malta came on board.
Murdock said the GTU is grateful to the ministry and Banks.
According to Murdock, the total cost of successfully staging the championship is upwards of $15 million.
The union president assured that every effort will be made to manage the championships competently.
The championships will get underway with the cycle road races for males and females as well as the swimming championships.
The road races will be conducted along the East Coast highway while the swimming will be staged at the Enmore Estate swimming pool.
Athletes will be housed at schools in the area and Murdock thanked the Regional Democratic Council of Region Four for the effort it has made so far regarding accommodation.
Murdock said his union has already received the full support of the Guyana Police Force and officers will be on duty at all the venues as well as in the games village.