Pickleball makes Its debut in Guyana

Pickleball, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, has officially landed in Guyana following a launch event on Saturday at the Leonora Masjid.

The initiative was introduced by U.S.-based Guyanese Rayman Hamid, who collaborated with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to bring the fast-paced racquet sport to local communities.

Minister of Education, Honourable Sonia Parag, expressed appreciation to Mr. Hamid for his foresight and generosity in donating the first set of pickleball equipment. She noted that the introduction of the sport creates new opportunities for recreation and fitness and serves as a fun addition to the “PE Fridays” initiative in schools.

Minister Parag underscored the value of sports in shaping young minds and communities, noting, “Participating in sports is a great way of building and strengthening community relations, cultivating discipline and resilience, and promoting the core values of teamwork and good sportsmanship.”

She further pointed out that more than 70 secondary schools across Guyana already offer at least one sport, emphasizing the government’s commitment to holistic education.

“Those of you who are playing pickleball here today have no idea that you are actually contributing to the national sports agenda and to the government’s vision for education,” Minister Parag said. “Education is not just academics, it’s not just sitting in a classroom. We want it to be more than that; we want you to develop skills outside of the classroom.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Honourable Steven Jacobs, encouraged the young participants to embrace the opportunity to learn the basics of pickleball and enjoy friendly competition.

The launch was also attended by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar; Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain; Deputy Chief Education Officer (Admin), Tiffany Harvey; members of the Ministry’s Allied Arts Unit; and Georgetown Mayor and City Councillor, Alphonso DeArmas.

The introduction of pickleball marks another milestone in Guyana’s expanding sports landscape, promoting inclusivity, fitness, and fun among the nation’s youth.