The 2026 Amerindian Heritage Games officially got underway on Thursday evening at the Everest Sports Ground, Georgetown, bringing together athletes from across Guyana’s ten regions for four days of sports competition, while making way for talent development.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Observing Our Cultural Heritage During Our Diamond Jubilee,” featured a march past by the participating teams, cultural performances, and a parachuting display by the Guyana Defence Force.

Prime Minister, performing the duties of president, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips officially declared the Games open.

He highlighted the importance of such an event in advancing the government’s One Guyana development approach and expanding opportunities for young people across the country.

“No longer must development be centred only on the coastline. Development must reach the communities in the hinterland,” the prime minister said.

He noted that the government has invested in sports infrastructure, equipment, trainers and coaches across hinterland communities, which has helped to strengthen sporting opportunities for young people.

The prime minister noted that the participation of hundreds of indigenous athletes is a demonstration of the government’s efforts to bridge the development divide.

“You have a government that is connected to the people. A government that will continue to support the development of sports in all your communities, in every region, every part of Guyana,” he said.

Also attending the opening ceremony was Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Brown-Shadeek who also welcomed the athletes and highlighted the importance of sports in creating opportunities for young people from hinterland communities.

She said sports can serve as a stepping stone to wider opportunities, noting that several athletes who participated in previous editions of the games have gone on to represent Guyana at different levels.

Minister Brown-Shadeek said the 2026 Games will feature football, cricket, volleyball, archery and novelty events, while also welcoming the participation of new teams and defending champions.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. added that the Heritage Games represent more than a sports competition, describing them as a platform to recognise the talent that exists throughout Guyana.

“The games started as an idea, an idea that represents a belief in talent that exists in every single one of us as Guyanese people,” Minister Ramson said.

He pointed to continued investment in community grounds, noting that more than $1 billion has been invested in hinterland community grounds over the past five years.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, during his brief remarks noted that the games also provide athletes with opportunities to be identified by national sporting associations.

“This is not only about competition, it’s about opportunities,” Minister Jacobs said, noting that representatives from football, cricket, volleyball and archery will be present to scout emerging talent.

The first night of competition continued with football, with Mahdia facing Paramakatoi, as the participating teams began their quest for honours in this year’s Games.

The 2026 Amerindian Heritage Games continue through Sunday, providing a platform for just over 700 male and female Indigenous athletes to compete, showcase their abilities and celebrate their heritage through sport and culture.