Minister Manickchand – Sports to form part of academia

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, said sports or extra-curricular activities in the school
system will now be incorporated into academia, as there have been proven benefits of such
activities.
Manickchand attended a simple ceremony to receive 50 table tennis gear from the Embassy of
the People’s Republic of China, at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development
(NCERD) on Tuesday. “The inclusion of sport and physical activities, and what has been known
as extra-curricular activities into the academic curriculum has been endorsed universally around
the world as being beneficial to the students whose main intention it is to pursue
academia…” she said.
The education minister noted that the donation will be most appreciated in the school system.
She noted further that secondary schools in the hinterland regions will be the first to benefit.
“These 50 table tennis tables will go to 50 schools; we will ensure that the hinterland high
schools and primary tops are first beneficiaries, because we believe we can do much there and
they often are left behind,” the minister said.

Minister Manickchand said the transfer of skills and knowledge between Guyana and China will
strengthen the countries’ relationship. She disclosed that Guyana has always been the recipient
of “great benefits and contributions”, however it is now in a position where it can offer its
services to contribute equally across the world.
Ambassador of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Her Excellency, Guo Haiyan
said sports activities can prevent barriers and enhance friendships between countries across the
world. “I believe the equipment can inspire the students to have stronger interest in table tennis
and playing table tennis can become one of their best memories in teenage years…,”
Ambassador Haiyan said.
The Chinese Ambassador expressed hopes that Guyana and China will use table tennis and other
sports to maintain a good relationship for mutual learning and understanding. “I hope the people
of China and Guyana can continue to use table tennis and other sports as a medium to enhance
our exchanges and mutual learning, mutual understanding and to carry on friendship between
China and Guyana for generations,” she said.
Also attending the simple donation ceremony were; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson
and President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association, Mr. Godfrey Munroe.