“I think it went well given the circumstances under which we had to operate. The make shift facilitates that were put in at the community centre ground went well, and in fact this is one of the championships that we were able to complete all our events and presentations before dark on the final day.”

The president congratulated the Guyana Police Force and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four.

“Security was exceptionally good. In fact I made the point to President (Bharrat) Jagdeo that the security was good. I think the Commander of ‘C’ division did a good work.”

The police and the Enmore Neighbourhood Policing Group were responsible for an incident-free championship, with a heavy security presence in the approaches of the venue, at the gates and inside the ground. Screening was done before anyone was allowed to enter.

The RDC was singled out for the fencing of the ground and the construction of a shed to one of the stands and also the construction of bath facilities and lighting at the games villages.

Murdock said the four-day event cost about $20 million.

“Sponsorship from Banks was about $1.5 million dollars; the bulk of the money came from Ministry of Education and the GTU, then there was about $420 000 that we hadn’t budgeted for.”

He said the GTU would bear the miscellaneous cost.

“It cost us about $2 million to get about one of those teams to the championship which includes food and accommodation.”

Murdock said the organisers were pleased with the Banks DIH sponsorship, and they have plans to seek their support for the 45th championships, which will be staged at Albion with Blairmont as the alternative.

Some 14 districts participated in this year’s championships with Districts One and 16 not being able to make it.

Linden/Kwakwani, District 10, defended their title in fine style, winning the track and field, swimming and cycling championships, while finishing third in the teacher’s championship to total 1197 5/6 points.