The 2010 awardees (seated) strike a pose with president Bharrat Jagdeo (centre standing) and officials of the Sport Ministry
The sporting fraternity was assured of government’s unwavering support, last Friday evening, when His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo, during his feature address at the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) 2010 Awards ceremony at the National Cultural Centre, reiterated the importance of sport to nation-building.
While acknowledging that the state is just one link of a network that is required to help foster the development of sport, the head-of-state noted that government will continue to assist in the growth of the country’s sportsmen and women by providing the necessary facilities for them to train and enhance their respective skills.
However, Dr Jagdeo reasoned that, while the “construction of facilities is a road to where we want to be”, it will be a difficult path as “there is always an economic imperative that will affect sport at both the personal and national levels.” The president explained that during the early stages, his government was faced with the burden of debt write-offs; and now that the economy is in better shape, more funds will inevitably be allocated for sport.
“The state will not be able to do everything, though. Private sector support is critical,” the head-of-state remarked. “A vision along with support will help to develop sport.” Dr Jagdeo further added that the aim of his government is to decentralise sport, and he cited construction of the Olympic-sized swimming pool at Liliendaal and the synthetic track at Leonora as steps in that direction.
In highlighting the achievements of 2010, Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony said Guyanese should be proud of what the country was able to achieve during that year.
The minister pointed out that Guyana was the venue of choice for several international events, including the ICC World T20 Cricket Competition, the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA), and Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games’ Sevens Rugby championship, the NAPF/IPF Powerlifting championship, the ISKF Karate championship, international motor racing, and a few world title boxing fights.
Dr Anthony added that his ministry will continue working to improve existing facilities and erect new ones, in order to have athletes train in the best possible environment in preparation for international engagements. He also expressed gratitude to all sports men/women who proudly don the colours of the Golden Arrowhead and put Guyana on the world stage, despite the challenges they face.
Sport Director Neil Kumar stated that government will be working along with the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to upgrade over 100 playgrounds across the country. He noted that the Days of Interaction were a success in 2010, and they are looking to build on the positives that have been derived from that initiative.
Kumar also had a few words of advice for the awardees: “Let this award be the beginning, not the end. Strive for greater things. Be a role model.”
AWARDEES
Mr Universe 2010, Hugh Arlington Ross, was adjudged Senior Sportsman-of-the- Year, while world boxing champion Shondell “Mystery Lady” Alfred was presented with the Senior Sportswoman- of- the-Year trophy.
Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, currently with the West Indies team at the 50-Over Cricket World Cup in Asia, was runner-up in the male category, while two- time Commonwealth Games medallist Aliann Pompey was runner-up in the female division.
The Junior Sportsman- of-the-Year was sprinter Chavez Ageday, while former West Indies Under-15 leg-spinner Amir Khan was the runner-up. The Junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year accolade was given to table tennis prodigy Chelsea Edghill, while squash player Ashley Khalil was the runner-up.
The ‘Lady Jags’– Guyana’s senior national football team, was named Team-of- the-Year, with the Powerlifting team gaining the runner-up spot. Boxing coach Seibert Blake got the Coach-of-the-Year award.
The Guyana Table Tennis Association was named Most Improved Association, while Dr. Karen Pilgrim and Peter Greene were adjudged Female and Male Sport Personalities respectively.
Stabroek News’ Orlando Charles won the Photo-Journalist award, while NCN’s Jermaine Carter got the nod for the Non-Print Journalist award.
Phenomenal cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart won the special award for Persons with Disability.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the 51- year-old Ross, who was born on the Corentyne but now resides in New York, urged awardees to be cognizant of their function as role models for youngsters and sport enthusiasts.
He also divulged that triumph on the field of sport comes only through hard work, dedication, and a desire to succeed.
