NSC Supports athletes headed to CARICOM 10K in St. Lucia

Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle hands over sponsorship (second from right) to AAG ‘s James Cole

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its full support behind Guyana’s team of athletes set to compete in the 21st CARICOM 10K Road Race, scheduled for Sunday, July 5, in Saint Lucia, as the country looks to continue its proud tradition at one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious road races.

Guyana will field its largest contingent ever for the event, with 2023 women’s champion Attoya Harvey leading the charge alongside Jelesa Wright, Odida Parkinson and Cleveland Thomas, who finished third-place in last year’s men’s race in Jamaica. The team will be managed by experienced athletics official Tyrone Smith.

Ahead of the team’s departure, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle officially presented the athletes with the Commission’s support during a simple ceremony.

Harvey and Parkinson were present to receive the presentation, while Wright and Thomas were unavoidably absent.

In addressing the athletes, Ninvalle underscored the significance of the CARICOM 10K, describing it as more than just another road race.

“This event carries tremendous regional importance because it is held in conjunction with the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. It showcases not only athletic excellence, but also the unity and shared identity of the Caribbean Community,” Ninvalle said.

He reminded the athletes that Guyana has enjoyed considerable success throughout the history of the event, producing champions in both the men’s and women’s divisions, and encouraged the current team to continue that proud legacy.

“Guyana has always performed admirably at the CARICOM 10K, and we have every confidence that this team will represent our country with distinction. Wear the Golden Arrowhead with pride, compete with determination and remember that you are ambassadors for your country,” Ninvalle added.

The Director of Sport also noted that Guyana’s participation carries added significance, given the country’s role as one of the founding members of the Caribbean Community.

“The CARICOM 10K celebrates regional integration, friendship and excellence. As a founding member of CARICOM, Guyana has an important place in this history, and strong performances on this stage reinforce our nation’s commitment to regional cooperation and sporting excellence,” Ninvalle noted.

Held annually alongside the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, the race brings together elite distance runners from across the region, offering athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the Caribbean’s best while promoting healthy lifestyles and regional solidarity.