Guyana Independence Homecoming Classic
A two-day basketball series — those who left these shores chasing dreams, against those hungry for the chance to show their game to the world. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport and presented by Swoosh Sports.
The court is calling the diaspora home.
A showdown of those who left these shores chasing dreams versus those hungry for the opportunity to show their talent to the world — staged in Georgetown across two days as part of Guyana's 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee programme.
Presented by Swoosh Sports and hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport.
Confirmed via the official MOCYS Facebook announcement dated May 14, 2026. Read the full announcement →
The venue: Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
Georgetown's flagship indoor sports venue — recently renovated to FIBA international standard.
Why CASH for this Classic
The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue, D'Urban Park reopened in late 2024 after a roughly G$350 million Government-of-Guyana renovation. It now meets FIBA international standard for hosting regional and international basketball, with a refreshed playing floor, bucket seating, full air-conditioning, an upgraded VIP box, and new washrooms.
- Seating: approximately 2,000 — Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. has publicly noted the hall can accommodate up to ~3,000 for major events depending on configuration.
- FIBA-certified surface — eight weeks after this Classic, the same hall will host the FIBA Men's Caribbean Championship (July 5–12, 2026).
- Central location — Homestretch Avenue, walking distance from D'Urban Park, easy taxi/rideshare access from anywhere in central Georgetown.
Sources: DPI Guyana · Guyana Standard · Guyana Times
Common questions
Updated against the official MOCYS / Swoosh Sports announcement. Where the announcement is silent, we say so.
What time does the Classic tip off?
Confirmed by MOCYS Guyana on May 24: Saturday May 23 — Diaspora Select vs Guyana Select at 5:30 PM. Sunday May 24 tipoff at 7:00 PM. (A youth clinic with the visiting NCAA D-I / D-II players also ran at the Sports Hall on May 23 from 9 AM to 1 PM.) Check MOCYS Guyana for any last-minute changes.
How much are tickets, and where do I buy?
Not yet announced. Treat ticket pricing as to be confirmed — the official announcement is currently silent on this. We'd recommend checking MOCYS Guyana and Swoosh Sports Guyana's social channels in the days leading up to May 23.
Who's playing on Diaspora Select / Guyana Select?
Rosters haven't been published. The "Diaspora Select" side is positioned as Guyanese-heritage players based abroad; "Guyana Select" is the home-based talent pool. Named players for either side aren't public yet.
Is the Classic part of the Diamond Jubilee Sports Tournaments?
It's part of the broader 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee programme, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport. It's distinct from the GBF-sanctioned Independence 3x3 Championship (separate event held May 17). The Homecoming Classic is presented privately by Swoosh Sports with MOCYS as host — not a Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) sanctioned competition.
Will it be live-streamed?
MOCYS has indicated the Diamond Jubilee sports tournament finals will be live-streamed on the Ministry's platforms (INews Guyana) — but a specific streaming arrangement for the Homecoming Classic hasn't been announced as of May 17, 2026.
Where exactly is Cliff Anderson Sports Hall?
Homestretch Avenue, on the edge of D'Urban Park in Georgetown. It's a 5–10 minute drive from most central Georgetown hotels. Most taxis and rideshares know it as "CASH" or "Cliff Anderson." On-site parking is available; expect heavier traffic around tipoff.
Is there other basketball action that weekend?
Possibly — the broader Diamond Jubilee Sports Tournaments include multiple disciplines across May 2026. The Homecoming Classic is the headline basketball event tied to the Independence weekend programme.
Other Diamond Jubilee events
Part of the same May 2026 Independence programme.
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