GUYANA’S lone Olympic medallist Michael Anthony Parris was last Friday the guest of honour of the Third Avenue Subryanville-based Mae’s Schools, who presented the Olympian with a cheque for a substantial sum. According to the school’s administrator Trevor Rodrigues, Parris’ feat at the 1980 Olympics which was held in Moscow, Russia, and saw him come away with a bronze medal was the perfect example of the school’s motto: ‘ For excellence we aspire’.
“Certainly, I am privileged to stand here today and present to you, Michael Parris, who 30 years ago, won Guyana’s lone Olympic medal.
His achievement in the ring at the Olympics is one we can use to best describe our school’s motto and we are honoured to have him here in our presence today, to which we say thank you, Michael Parris.”
In his brief remarks, Parris thanked the staff of the privately-run school for their generosity, while he boldly stated how wonderful it was to know that after 30 years, he is being recognised for his feat in the ring as an amateur boxer for Guyana.
“First of all, let me say how happy I am to be here today and most importantly how pleased I am to be honoured by the staff of Mae’s Schools.”
The 52-year-old father of eight added; “It is nice to know that after 30 years, somebody has recognised your hard work and efforts that you put in and I must say how grateful I am not only to Mae’s Schools, but president of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) Steve Ninvalle for this gesture, for which I must say thanks from the depths of my heart.”
Ninvalle said the move by Mae’s can serve as a catalyst for corporate Guyana both in the private and public sectors to join the bandwagon and show their generosity to Parris.
“First and foremost, let me say thanks to Mae’s Schools who responded promptly to a phone call made this morning (Friday) and readily agreed to make this tangible donation to Mr Parris. Without the private sector and at times the Government, things cannot happen,” stated Ninvalle.
“I do hope that this serves as a catalyst for the private and public sector to come on board and join the bandwagon, as the GABA do its utmost to honour one of our boxing heroes, as this is just another way for us to say thanks to Michael Anthony Parris.”