Guyana: Careful Planning Increasing Guyana’s International Sport Profile

Guyana’s government has emphasized its strategic planning efforts to improve the country’s international sports profile. During an event at COURTS on Main Street, Georgetown, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle announced that the Malteenoes Sports Club Cricket Academy received a GY$500,000 cheque from COURTS (Unicomer Guyana Inc.). Ninvalle stated that the country is now better positioned to attract major sporting events due to careful planning by the government.

This weekend, Guyana is set to host three significant international competitions: the motor racing GT Challenge, a series of three matches between West Indies and New Zealand, and the FIBA International Basketball Tournament. Ninvalle noted that the government has opened several facilities capable of accommodating major international tournaments, including the recently resurfaced South Dakota Circuit.

He called on the business community to increase their support for sports, emphasizing that government efforts alone are insufficient. “We need to have private support also in order to get us to our full potential,” he remarked.

At the event, young cricket fans interacted with four West Indies players during “The WI Experience at Courts,” a youth engagement initiative organized by Courts and Cricket West Indies (CWI), with backing from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. This event took place just two days before the West Indies’ One-Day International series against New Zealand at the Guyana National Stadium.

During the proceedings, a GY$500,000 cheque was presented to the Malteenoes Sports Club Cricket Academy, aimed at supporting grassroots cricket development. Additionally, Courts is donating cricket gear valued at GY$350,000 to the Academy, which includes professional bats, batting pads, helmets, balls, and wicket stumps.

The event featured remarks from various stakeholders, including Ms. Gillian Matthews, Managing Director of Unicomer (Guyana) Inc., who highlighted the importance of investing in youth and sports. Following the official session, club members had the opportunity to meet the players and take photos.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster cricket enthusiasm in Guyana as the country prepares to host the first three ODIs of the West Indies vs. New Zealand series on July 11, 13, and 16, 2026. Courts, recognized as Guyana’s leading retailer of furniture, appliances, and electronics, remains committed to supporting youth, sports, and national development through its community outreach programs.

Source: demerarawaves.com