By Joe Chapman

FORMER Mackenzie High School (MHS) athlete Bruce Butcher, who resides in the United States, has contributed financially to the Independence Day ‘Mackenzie High versus Christianburg/Wismar Secondary (Multi)’ athletics showdown.

According to Butcher, the event is a means of helping to boost the sport in his hometown.
The event will involve past and present students of both secondary schools in Linden.
Butcher, the son of former Guyana and West Indies middle order batsman Basil Butcher, feels that Linden has tremendously talented athletes and there is a need for such meets.
Butcher has been following the outstanding performances of District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) at the National Schools Athletics, Swimming and Cycling championship where their domination has displayed the region’s true talent.

Butcher said he noted, particularly, the contributions made by the top two secondary schools’ athletes.

He said the initiative must be encouraged and hopes that other persons/businesses and firms would give their support for this to be bigger and better in years to come.
The former high jumper, who began his athletic career at the MHS, attended the first World Juniors championship in 1986 in Athens, Greece.

Both MHS and Multi will receive $100 000 and a Smart television, while the athletes will gain medals and trophies and the winning school will take home the Marilyn DeAbreu Trophy and bragging rights