Archery Guyana Supports Inclusive Sport at ‘Epilepsy in Sport’ Workshop

Friday, Feb 20

Hosted through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), and the Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana (EFG), the workshop brought administrators, coaches, medical professionals and advocates into one room with a shared mission: ensuring that athletes living with epilepsy are understood, supported and empowered. Archery Guyana on February 20, 2026 proudly participated in this landmark ‘Epilepsy in Sport  Awareness and Management’ workshop.

Representing Archery Guyana at the workshop were Messrs. Courtlee Rodrigues and Nolan Gray, who engaged in the interactive sessions aimed at strengthening knowledge and response protocols surrounding epilepsy in sporting environments.

The initiative marked the first workshop of its kind in Guyana addressing the intersection of epilepsy and sport, aligning with the NSC’s developmental agenda and broader efforts by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports to advance inclusive participation across all disciplines.

Speaking at the workshop,  President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon in her capacity as Secretary General of the Guyana Olympic Association emphasised the broader responsibility of sporting bodies: “Sport must go beyond medals and podiums and embrace dignity, education, safety, and inclusion. Inclusion is not simply a policy — it is a daily practice reflected in how we coach, organise, and protect our athletes.”

She further highlighted the importance of awareness and preparedness within federations: “With proper awareness, appropriate response protocols, and supportive coaching environments, athletes living with epilepsy can safely and confidently participate in sport. No athlete should be limited by misunderstanding or stigma.”

Mrs. Persaud-McKinnon also extended special recognition to Rawle Toney, as being instrumental in bringing this initiative to life and ensuring the message reached every corner of the sporting community.

The programme opened with a call to action for greater awareness and stronger systems within sport chaired by Dr. Thomas Singh.

Kudos are particularly extended to Director of Sport, Mr. Steve Ninvalle, for creating the opportunity for national federations to benefit from this landmark initiative. In describing the workshop as historic, the first formal alliance between the National Sports Commission and the Epilepsy Foundation, he affirmed that “we’re moving in the right direction,” signaling a progressive shift toward stronger collaboration and athlete-centered development in Guyana’s sporting landscape.

The medical segment of the workshop delivered both depth and clarity. Dr. Mallika Mootoo, MD, Pediatrician, provided critical insight into epilepsy in young athletes, dispelling myths while reinforcing that, with appropriate management, children with epilepsy can safely and confidently participate in sport.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana shared lived realities, advocacy efforts, and the urgent need to break stigma through education.

Neurologists Dr. Alex Persaud, MD, and Dr. Jarrel Watson, MD, delivered an engaging and practical session on seizure recognition, emergency response protocols, and management strategies tailored for sporting environments. Participants left equipped with clear guidance on what to do and what not to do  when responding to seizures on the field of play.

Archery Guyana views this engagement as part of its ongoing commitment to athlete-centered governance and safe sport practices. The federation recognises that inclusive sport strengthens not only individual athletes, but the integrity and resilience of the sporting community as a whole.

Archery Guyana remains dedicated to ensuring that its programmes reflect global best practices in safety, education, and accessibility, reinforcing that archery, like all sport, must be open to all.