Despite being in existence for two years, the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) has made prominent strides on both the local and international circuits, which has resulted in the entity being recognized and subsequently registered with the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Amongst its notable achievements in its short lifespan include participation at the World Championship in the United Arab Emirates, which was subsequently followed by its involvement a little closer to home in the Pan American Championship in Mexico.
Both occurred in 2022 and were central in the local authority of the emerging discipline being acknowledged by the NSC and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, which led to their continued participation at the National Sports Conference as well as their maiden appearance at the National Sports Awards.
President of the GMMAF, Gavin Singh, said: “The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation is committed to promoting sustainable development and providing young people with a platform to develop socially, culturally, and academically through mixed martial arts. The organization places a strong emphasis on grassroots sports, recognizing their importance in building a foundation for lifelong sports and high-performance athletes. The federation is also focused on delivering innovative sports programs for young people in order to achieve its strategic outcomes.”
He further said, “Additionally, the federation works to find new solutions for existing problems and leverages support from local governments and citizens, including the police force and defence force. Through these efforts, the federation hopes to empower grassroots organizations to create a neighbourhood-based voice that combats prejudice and discrimination against marginalized groups.”
Though combat sports, by their inherent nature, are associated, at least from our conservative and often skewed view, as having an appetite for brutality, the GMMAF is primarily focused on changing that perception by developing in partnership with the Government of Guyana, a grassroots developmental agenda.
