Guyana Promoted As Archery Destination at World Archery Americas Congress in Mexico

Wednesday, Jun 24

Archery Guyana Inc., the National Archery Federation of Guyana has represented the nation at the sport’s Continental General Assembly of World Archery Americas (WAA) in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

The General Assembly held on Monday 22nd June, 2026 was conducted by the continental organisation in charge of the promotion and development of archery in the Americas. The congress which is made up of 32 member associations along with 2 associate members has notably documented Guyana position in the sport and has acknowledged the country’s rapidly growing influence within the global archery community at this congress. The delegation in attendance were Archery Guyana President Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Executive Board Member Assistant Treasurer Mr. Saeed Karim.

The highlight of Guyana's participation was a presentation delivered by President Persaud-McKinnon focused on the South American nation’s position in promoting sport and sport tourism, by hosting the upcoming Inaugural Caribbean Archery Championship and the eight edition of the Caribbean Development Championships, both scheduled to be hosted at the prestigious Guyana National Stadium, Providence Guyana in October 2026.

The presentation generated considerable interest among member associations, with many countries expressing their intention to attend and support the two concurrent Archery Championship events.

Time was allocated for a special video message from the Director of Sport, Mr. Steve Ninvalle, who welcomed delegates to Guyana on behalf of the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the Government of Guyana. The message highlighted the Government’s commitment to sport, future development and regional cooperation within the nations of the Americas, which was warmly received by delegates.

President of World Archery, Mr. Greg Easton, was also in attendance at the congress, joining delegates from across North, Central and South America along with many nations from the Caribbean.

Taking the opportunity to further promote Guyana as a tourism hotspot and sport destination, the Archery Guyana delegation made presentations of promotional packages to members in attendance. Delegates received Explore Guyana magazines, pens, keyrings and samples of Guyanese honey. These items which were presented ensured that every delegation left with a memorable introduction to Guyana's culture, hospitality and tourism offerings.

As part of the main proceedings of the General Assembly, elections and constitutional business were conducted. Mr. Saeed Karim was appointed as one of the three scrutineers responsible for overseeing the processes, ensuring that the validity and values of the WAA Constitution were upheld.

Elections were held and delegates subsequently re-elected Maria Emma Gaviria as President of World Archery Americas. Following her re-election, she announced the appointment of Mr. Sergio Font as Secretary General for the next four-year term.

The election of the Permanent Committees, Guyana’s Persaud-McKinnon secured the highest number of votes amongst candidates for the Gender Equity and Inclusion Committee and was duly elected to serve on that committee. The election of Archery Guyana’s President to this committee reflects the delegation's confidence placed in her leadership and commitment to fostering greater inclusion, participation and opportunity throughout the sport.

Additionally Archery Guyana Board Member, Assistant Secretary Ryan McKinnon was announced to be appointed to serve on the WAA Marketing Committee, strengthening Guyana's representation within the continental organisation.

Reflecting on the experience, President Persaud-McKinnon stated: "Attending my first World Archery Americas General Assembly in person was truly an incredible experience. I was extremely impressed by the professionalism displayed throughout the Congress and grateful for the opportunity to meet so many colleagues from across the continent with whom I had previously only communicated virtually. The Assembly provided an excellent platform for collaboration, learning and relationship-building that will undoubtedly benefit archery development in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean."

She further noted that the overwhelming support shown for Guyana's upcoming hosting of the Archery Championships events demonstrates the confidence that the international archery community has in Guyana's ability to administer and host high-quality competitions and development initiatives.

Archery Guyana extends sincere appreciation to the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana for their generous support in making the Guyana promotional materials available. Additionally, the Federation also recognises with sincerity and appreciation, the Guyana Olympic Association and its executive for the strong support that is given to the Olympic sport of Archery, ultimately enabling the development of Archery throughout Guyana.

Archery Guyana wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Honourable Minister Charles Ramson and Honourable Minister Steven Jacobs, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission for their support of the Federation's international engagement and development programmes. The commitment of the Government of Guyana to sport development continues to create opportunities for Guyanese administrators, officials and athletes to contribute meaningfully on the national, regional and international stage.

The Federation also extends special thanks to World Archery Mexico and its President, Gabriel Ramos Rodríguez, for the excellent organisation and hospitality provided throughout the General Assembly and related activities in Tlaxcala.

Archery Guyana remains committed to its objectives, governance and further establishing the Olympic sport of Archery nationally, regionally and internationally. We look forward to welcoming our archery family from all the Americas to Guyana for the Caribbean Archery Championships and the Caribbean Development Championships in October 2026.