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Guyana launches Commonwealth Games campaign with 3×3 basketball and swimming as athletes honours Essequibo tragedy
By Rawle Toney in Glasgow, Scotland
Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games officially got underway following Thursday evening’s opening ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, with the country’s 3×3 basketball team and swimmers set to begin competition today in pursuit of Guyana’s first Commonwealth Games medal since Troy Doris captured historic long jump gold in 2018.
Travis Belgrave and Aleka Persaud carried the Golden Arrowhead across the stage in the opening Ceremony for this year’s Commonwealth Games.
Competing under the Golden Arrowhead, Guyana’s delegation has been fully sponsored by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) in partnership with German sportswear giant Adidas, ensuring the nation’s athletes and officials are equipped with world-class support as they represent the country on one of sport’s biggest stages.
Leading Guyana into the opening ceremony was flag bearer Travis Belgrave, who, alongside Anish Ramlall, Christian Hinckson and Kevin Mickle, will spearhead the country’s historic debut in 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games.
The quartet represents a discipline that has enjoyed significant growth in Guyana in recent years, with the nation steadily establishing itself as a competitive force in the shortened format of the game.
Swimmers Aleka Persaud (centre), Chase Thompson (right) and Delroy Tyrrell will be in action today in Scotland.
Their participation marks a significant milestone for Guyanese basketball, as the country makes its first-ever appearance in the event.
Guyana faces a demanding opening day schedule, beginning against hosts Scotland before taking on New Zealand and the Cayman Islands later in the day.
Attention will also turn to the pool, where Aleka Persaud will contest the women’s 50m butterfly, while Chase Thompson lines up in the 100m breaststroke.
Fellow debutant Delroy Tyrrell will also make his Commonwealth Games bow in the 50m backstroke. The swimmers are under the guidance of coach Ewin Enmore.
Guyana’s 3×3 basketball team (L-R) Travis Belgrave, Christian Hinckson, Anish Ramlall and Kevin Mickle will take to the court today in Scotland.
Although Guyana had initially qualified athletes in boxing, the country’s campaign in the sport came to an unfortunate end before it began after its boxers were ruled ineligible to compete because mandatory testing results were not received in time.
As a result, Guyana’s representation at these Games will now come through athletics, swimming and 3×3 basketball.
The athletics team comprises Keliza Smith, Stefan Roach, Jackson Clarke, Aaliyah Moore, Noelex Holder, Akeem Stewart, Revon Williams, Simeon Adams and Shamar Horatio, with officials Mark Scott, Thelson Williams and Lindon Phillips overseeing the squad.
Meanwhile, Guyana’s presence at the opening ceremony carried added emotional significance.
In the aftermath of the recent tragedy in Guyana, the contingent abandoned its traditional vibrant attire and instead wore black as a mark of mourning and solidarity with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the Essequibo River tragedy.
The Golden Arrowhead was also flown at half-mast during the ceremony, reflecting the nation’s collective grief while proudly representing Guyana on the international stage.
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