Boyce and Jefford Classic … MSC executive committee should upgrade venue in time for Classic event

 

AS THE time draws near for the much-anticipated annual Sixth Boyce/Jefford Classic at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground in Linden, the MSC executive committee must do its utmost to satisfy the expectations of the organisers and the athletes, who will grace Linden’s mecca of sports institutions, in having the best accommodation for this annual spectacle set for early mid-August.
This responsibility comes more so in the wake of the decision by the two existing Linden clubs – Upper Demerara and the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School – to merge for this important championship in the quest to bring some measure of success/glory to the sports-crazy home fans.
The decision, taken by the organisers, seemingly against the odds, to stand their ground and hold this highly anticipated Boyce/Jefford Classic event once again at the traditional sports centre in Linden, must be noted. No doubt it came as a surprise to many knowing that the state of the ground over the past few years had left much to be desired. Somewhat surprising also was the decision for the two clubs to merge.
However, the fact is that you are asking national and international athletes to ply their trade on a challenging surface; and that decision now makes it necessary that the MSC ground must be improved and kept to a standard worthy of such an event.
Edison Jefford and Colin Boyce have done what many did not believe could happen. They remained faithful to the hundreds of spectators who throng this venue yearly to witness this meet to see the best athletes in Guyana perform for them.
The decision therefore by Boyce and Jefford at this time must be applauded as it is two-fold indeed.
While they are maintaining the rich legacy of sport in the mining town through the continuation of producing top-class track athletes from the region and of course the massive support that is given, it is hoped that this event will cause the authorities to upgrade this venue to a standard that befits the occasion.
The organisers have always placed emphasis on raising the bar for performances by athletes but this will be limited if those in authority, namely the town, regional and government, do not see it fit to let Linden be outfitted with a international venue in the near future.
Undoubtedly, this region has produced some of the best athletes in this country and continues to do so. Among them is former sprint king Elton Jefford, who brought this country joy and had quite a few outstanding performances at this very venue.
His rich legacy is among the reasons that the meet was birthed and it remains a staple for the community at large. He was not only a great athlete and ambassador, but one who was not boastful or boisterous but was a cool performer who was admired by all who knew him.
It is mainly in his honour that these games are held and those in authority should do their best to ensure it remains part and parcel of the sports calendar of Linden annually.
The fact that an IAAF-certified synthetic track facility over at West Demerara did not sway the organisers to switch their meet tells a story of faith in the people of Linden.
The task therefore starts with the MSC Executive to put forward a case to ensure that the MSC venue is upgraded to once again be the envy of the rest of Guyana, like years gone by when it was a major venue for international athletics, cycling and football among other sports.
The time has also come for them to make the MSC a vibrant club once again and be a leader for the promotion and development of sports in Linden.

By Joe Chapman

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.