GOA and Paraguayan Olympic Committee sign historic Memorandum of Understanding

Mar 24, 2025 Sports

Kaieteur Sports- The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) have officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), solidifying a new era of collaboration between the two National Olympic Committees. This strategic partnership follows extensive discussions and joint engagements, paving the way for long-term cooperation in sports development, athlete training, and knowledge exchange.

GOA and Paraguayan Olympic Committee sign historic Memorandum of Understanding

President of POC Camilo Perez, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Hugh Todd, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr, GOA President Godfrey Munroe, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, DoS Steve Ninvalle along with other executive members of the GOA including Mario Cilenti, Emily Ramdhani, Philip Fernandes and Garfield Wiltshire were all present to witness the historic event.

The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in high-performance sports, human resource development, technical expertise sharing, and capacity building. It also outlines structured initiatives to enhance physical activity opportunities for athletes in both countries, leveraging available resources for mutual benefit.

During their visit to Guyana, COP President Camilo Pérez López Moreira and Mario Cilenti engaged in high-level meetings with GOA’s Executive Committee, office of the President, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., and other key stakeholders. Their visit also included a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association and visiting several local sports facilities, emphasising their commitment to strengthening ties with Guyana’s sporting community.

In expressing his support for the partnership, COP President Camilo Pérez López Moreira stated: “This agreement with the Guyana Olympic Committee strengthens our commitment to the development of sport in the region. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, we promote cooperation, the exchange of knowledge, and the growth of our athletes and professionals, further strengthening the Olympic ties between our nations.”

The MOU highlights six major projects that will drive this partnership forward. Athlete Development –

Guyanese athletes at various levels, from cadet to senior, will have opportunities to train within COP’s jurisdictions. Training programs will range from one to six months in high-performance centers and provincial leagues in Paraguay.

The team also visited some of the local venues that are home to some disciplines.

Training and Competition for Athletes and Teams – COP will explore avenues for high-level training for Guyana’s national team coaches and athletes, focusing on refining techniques and improving performance. Training stints will range from short-term programs to one- or two-year specialized training programs. The initiative also includes hosting COP athletes and coaches in Guyana, particularly in athletics and rowing, to work alongside national team members.

Coaching Development – Guyanese coaches will benefit from specialized training programs and coaching education, working alongside top-tier professionals in Paraguay.

This collaboration aims to enhance coaching methodologies and technical expertise in various disciplines.

Equipment Support Grant – COP will facilitate the provision of sports equipment to support mass participation, talent identification, and school-based programs in all ten administrative regions of Guyana. Additional competition equipment will also be provided to help Guyana host international sporting events.

National Sports Facility Development – COP and GOA will explore potential funding and support for the construction of a National High-Performance Training Facility in Guyana. This facility will provide elite training opportunities, enable extended training hours, and position Guyana as a host for regional and international competitions.

Cricket Development in Paraguay – Guyana will play a leading role in developing cricket within Paraguay, providing training, coaching expertise, and technical guidance to help grow the sport in the region.

A Transformational Initiative

Speaking on behalf of GOA, President Godfrey Munroe underscored the transformative nature of this agreement: “This is a landmark collaboration that will provide much-needed training exposure, scholarship opportunities, and high-performance environments for our athletes and coaches. It is also a strategic investment in human resource development, planting the seeds for the future growth of our sports ecosystem.”

He further emphasised the broader significance of the partnership: “This initiative serves as a catalyst for deeper cultural and sports exchanges, fostering stronger bonds between our nations through knowledge transfer, shared methodologies, and mutual respect. Sports will be the bridge that brings the people of Guyana and Paraguay closer together.” Mr. Munroe and the executive committee of the GOA extended its appreciation to COP President Camilo Pérez López Moreira, the Government of Paraguay, and all stakeholders involved in making this collaboration a reality. The MOU is a testament to what can be achieved when National Olympic Committees work together in the true spirit of Olympism.

This partnership marks a historic milestone in Guyana’s sporting development and is set to yield significant benefits for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators for years to come.

(GOA and Paraguayan Olympic Committee sign historic Memorandum of Understanding)