The sum of $7M has been invested into the Aliann Pompey Invitational (API) by the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport.
The announcement of this support was made yesterday ahead of the Olympic qualifier which is set for Saturday at the National Track and Field Centre, West Coast Demerara.
The sum is the largest investment by the Government of Guyana for the event since its started in 2016.
This year’s AP Invitational is part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, providing several athletes from around the world a final opportunity for direct qualification to the Paris Olympic Games, with the cut-off date for qualification set for June 30.
According to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. the API aligns perfectly with President Irfaan Ali’s vision to position Guyana as a hub for marquee sporting events, thereby enhancing the country’s sports tourism sector.
His remarks followed a meeting between the Ministry, the National Sports Commission (NSC), and Pompey.
Ramson also pointed out that the latest investment underscores the Government of Guyana’s commitment to supporting the AP Invitational.
The focus, he said, is on sustaining and developing Guyana’s only international track and field championship.
After thanking Minister Ramson and the Government of Guyana, Pompey stated, “The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has committed in a big way to the success of the meet, not just this year, but several to come. The Honourable Minister has expressed the importance on building on the foundation year by year, and knows that it means commitment over a period of time.”
She further stated that the Ministry’s input “is significant to the longevity of the competition and to the sport. All this trickles down to our athletes and we’ll continue to see significant development. We thank him for this support.”
