GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Guyana’s student-athletes departed today for Paramaribo, Suriname, carrying the nation’s hopes into the 2026 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG), scheduled for October 23–25.

The three-day multi-sport showcase, inaugurated in 1967, brings together young competitors from Guyana, host nation Suriname and French Guiana to foster regional athletic development and strengthen international ties.

Funded by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission, the Guyanese contingent will compete in seven of the eight featured disciplines: athletics, aquatics, basketball, futsal, volleyball, chess and boxing.

The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has confirmed its male and female squads for the basketball competition, which will be staged at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Suriname. The competition will bring together student-athletes aged 18 and under from Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

Girls’ Team: Sherese Leacock, Malia Samuels, Brianna Benjamin, Lanasha Mohamed, Breann Ritchie, Kassidy Woolford, Junelly Paddy, Krizel Wells, Ronaya Grant, Ricielle Fowler, Kennesha Fraser and Ciara Persaud.
Coaches: Osafa Johnson and Ann Gordon

Boys’Team: Mattaniah Fordyce, Stephan Duke, Terron Mohabir, Darren Dublin, Tyreek Sampson, Chaziah Bernard, Tyler Tappin, Josiah Cumberbatch, Hartley Price, Avion Kesney and Leon Simon.
Coaches: Warren Wilson and Kwesi Thompson

Guyana’s girls will open their campaign against French Guiana on Friday, October 23 at 14:30h, before the boys take to the court in the second game of the double-header. Both teams will return to action on Saturday, October 24, facing hosts Suriname from 15:30h.

The GBF is anticipating competitive performances from both squads, with a blend of returning players and newcomers expected to bring experience, fresh energy and determination to the national teams.

The Federation believes the combination of returning players and emerging talent will provide a solid foundation as Guyana seeks to make a strong impression at the regional tournament. The GBF also views the IGG as an important platform for developing young talent, strengthening regional relationships and identifying players capable of progressing to higher levels of competition.

The Inter-Guiana Games holds a rich history in basketball, particularly through the longstanding rivalry between Guyana and Suriname, which has produced numerous competitive encounters over the years. French Guiana’s involvement has further strengthened the tournament’s regional significance, creating additional opportunities for young players to gain international exposure and experience.

The GBF extends best wishes to all Guyanese student-athletes and coaching staff and encourages supporters to follow the teams’ progress throughout the tournament.