Kenisha Phillips christens National Track and Field Centre with impressive 100m victory
Kenisha Phillips (extreme right) breezes past the finish line to go on record as the first athlete to officially win a track event on Guyana’s first synthetic track at Leonora yesterday. (Delano Williams photos)
Kenisha Phillips (extreme right) breezes past the finish line to go on record as the first athlete to officially win a track event on Guyana’s first synthetic track at Leonora yesterday. (Delano Williams photos)

THIRTEEN-year-old Kenisha Phillips christened the National Track and Field Centre with an exciting victory in the Girls’ 100-metre event when the facility was officially opened yesterday by President Donald Ramotar. at an impressive ceremony.The 13-year-old, who promises to be one to watch in a few, got off the starting blocks together with her counterparts and out-sprinted them across the finish line, to become the first Guyanese to win a track event on synthetic surface here in Guyana.

Rupert Perry (#136) storms to victory in the men’s 100-metre race at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora yesterday.
Rupert Perry (#136) storms to victory in the men’s 100-metre race at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora yesterday.

The commissioning of the facility attracted a large turnout of schoolchildren and teachers from the West Demerara area and they filled both the North Eastern and North Western stands that were constructed by BK International.
There were several presentations by officials of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S), representatives of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Interim Management Committee and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG).
The day started off with invitees being treated to some steel pan music by the National Steel Orchestra then there was a dance presentation by members of the National School of Dance.
This was followed by inter-faith prayers offered by representatives of the Hindu, Muslim and Christian denominations.
Permanent Secretary in the MCY&S Alfred King then gave a project review of the facility, while there were brief remarks from GFF representative Stuart May and AAG president Aubrey Hutson.
Track athlete Tirana Michell and footballer Vurlon Mills then gave their impressions of the facility, which is not only for track and field, approved by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAG), but it also boasts a Federation International Football Association (FIFA)-approved football pitch.
The two athletes both said the facility is a welcome move by the government as it will boost their respective disciplines and hopefully put Guyana on the world map as a powerhouse in track and field and football.
King, in his review noted that $1.4B was earmarked for the project in 2011, but on completion a few weeks ago, the Government of Guyana spent $1.084B to construct the facility with all its amenities.
King said the MCY&S had discussions with the AAG since 2011 and after the project started on December 16 of that year, consultants, contractors and officials of the Ministry worked overtime to ensure the works on the three phases of the project were achieved on time.
According to King, there were hiccups during the construction period and four contractors had their contracts terminated, but in the end, the facility was completed one month ahead of the projected time.
GFF’s Stuart May in brief remarks thanked the Government of Guyana for offering them (GFF) to use of the facility and stated that his organisation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the MCY&S under its FIFA GOAL Project.
Hutson also thanked the Guyana Government for constructing a state-of-the-art synthetic track that will take the level of the sport to higher heights in Guyana.
Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony said of the total 50.4 acres of land allotted for the facility only 22 acres have so far been developed to date.
Dr Anthony said the already constructed car park will soon be asphalted and apart from it being a car park, a stage will be set up on it for entertainment purposes.
He noted that every area on the track was carefully measured and marked by international experts, hence the facility received a gold marking from the world international body.
Minister Anthony also said apart from track and field and football, he wants to make the venue a home for the Guyana Rugby Football Union.
In the past he said, many athletic meets were cancelled because of rain, but now that a synthetic track is in place at Leonora that hurdle will be a thing of the past.
The minister said approximately 24 persons will be employed on a permanent basis and they will oversee the administration and security of the facility.
Two Cuban coaches are also expected to be among the 24 persons and according to Minister Anthony, one will be responsible for training track athletes, while the other will deal with field athletes, “and I hope with them (Cuban coaches), our standard of athletics will rise,” Dr Anthony stated.
According to the sports minister, very soon the Government will procure internationally-certified track and field equipment to be used at the Leonora track.
Meanwhile, A. Powley and C. Small placed second and third respectively in the Girls’ 100-metre event.
In other results from the day’s athletic programme, Rupert Perry won the Boys’ 100-metre race ahead of Kevin Abbensetts and Terin respectively.
The men’s 1500-metre was won by Guyana’s top distance athlete Cleveland Ford. Second was Cleveland Thomas, while Winston Missigher placed third.
Tricia Hooper won the Girls’ 400-metre ahead of Avon Samuels and Phillips respectively while on the men’s side Shawn Semple prevailed ahead of Devon Barrington and Quacy Clemenson respectively.

By Michael DaSilva

 

 

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