Athletes from across the regions have described the Amerindian Heritage Games as an important platform to showcase their talents, gain exposure and pursue opportunities to represent the country at the national and international levels.

More than 800 athletes from across the regions are participating in the four-day tournament, which brings together young sporting talent from different communities.

Some athletes from the hinterland said the games allow them to compete against peers from across Guyana while gaining exposure to sporting officials and associations.

Region Nine footballer Von Harding shared that the opportunities created through the games could help players advance their sporting careers.

“In the future, we players have a lot of opportunity to shine and to be scouted and get great opportunities to play for the national team and even go overseas.”

Harding, a striker for Strikers FC, said the team worked around their jobs to prepare for the competition and is ready to defend its title.

Fellow Region Nine athlete Krystal Ford said the introduction of female cricket across the regions and competing at this level is important for athletes who may otherwise have limited opportunities after school.

“Sometimes, as a young athlete, when you’re finished with school, that’s it for you. And as an adult now, this is another opportunity to exhibit your skills and who knows, you might be selected to represent the country on a national level.” Ford said.

Ford added that her team was selected following a tournament involving clubs across the region and is now making its debut at the Heritage Games.

Another Region Nine athlete, Cilicia Brito Chaparro, said the tournament is also an opportunity to meet and compete with other talents from across the country.

She said, “We are excited to meet the other regions and see different talents, to meet in all different sports.”

Meanwhile, athletes from Region Two and other regions also highlighted the value of bringing young people together through sport, while noting the challenges involved in preparing teams drawn from communities spread across large geographic areas.

These athletes’ views mirror remarks made at the opening of the games, where government officials highlighted the tournament as more than a competition, pointing to the opportunities it creates for athletes to be identified and developed.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the games allow young people to showcase their abilities.

“Never should they be restricted from representing the country because they possess the talent in a remote location,” the prime minister said.

He noted that efforts must continue to identify talent in hinterland communities.

With representatives from sporting associations present to identify potential talent, the Heritage Games allow young athletes a platform to compete, gain exposure and pursue the next step in their sporting careers.