Guyana’s young basketball players will open their 2026 Inter-Guiana Games campaign against French Guiana on Friday, October 23, with the girls taking the court at 2:30 pm before the boys contest the second game of a double-header.
The opening matches form part of the October 23–25 basketball competition at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Suriname. Guyana’s two teams will return on Saturday to face the hosts, with that day’s action starting at 3:30 pm.
The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has selected a mix of returning players and newcomers for the competition, which brings together student-athletes aged 18 and under from Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
The Federation is looking to that combination of experience and emerging talent to deliver competitive performances as the players pursue success on the regional stage.
Coaches Osafa Johnson and Ann Gordon will guide the girls’ squad, which includes Sherese Leacock, Malia Samuels, Brianna Benjamin, Lanasha Mohamed, Breann Ritchie, Kassidy Woolford, Junelly Paddy, Krizel Wells, Ronaya Grant, Ricielle Fowler, Kennesha Fraser and Ciara Persaud.
The boys will be coached by Warren Wilson and Kwesi Thompson. Their squad comprises Mattaniah Fordyce, Stephan Duke, Terron Mohabir, Darren Dublin, Tyreek Sampson, Chaziah Bernard, Tyler Tappin, Josiah Cumberbatch, Hartley Price, Avion Kesney and Leon Simon.
While the returning players bring previous experience, the GBF expects the newcomers to add fresh energy and determination as both teams seek to make their mark.
The Games offer more than an opportunity to compete for regional success. The Federation also sees the tournament as an important step in developing young basketball players and identifying those capable of progressing to higher levels.
Guyana and Suriname share a longstanding basketball rivalry at the Inter-Guiana Games, with their meetings producing numerous competitive contests. French Guiana’s involvement has strengthened the event’s regional significance while providing further opportunities for international exposure.
This year’s competition will allow another group of young Guyanese players to test their skills against those familiar rivals, gain valuable experience and build sporting relationships across the region.
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