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Shewdass who hails from humble beginnings on the Upper Corentyne, was last Saturday honoured for his achievement at a special reception at the TejMohall Complex in Number 79 Village, Corriverton.
The new Junior Powerlifting Champion received warm words of congratulations from Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Robert Persaud and Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy, while former Chairman of East Berbice/Corentyne (Region 6) and Executive Secretary of the PPP Zulfikar Mustapha and current Regional Chairman Permaul Armogan made calls for public support of the young champion.
Addressing a gathering at the reception, Armogan described the performance of Shewdass as ‘magical’ and called on him to be a role model for aspiring sportsmen and women.
“Guyana, as you know, has been producing many great sportsmen at the very highest level in the world, the Chanderpauls, the Sarwans and especially in cricket, we have a number of people who are recognised throughout the world. We have people who gained recognition in other sports but never in Guyana have we produced a champion in powerlifting,” he declared.
The Regional Chairman also stated that there will be many more accolades for Shewdass outside of Region 6 in honour of his performance.
He further added: “We want him to be a role model to youngsters in the sport, powerlifting has been picking up as a sport over the years and I am sure with his achievement, powerlifting will be given a lift in Guyana.”
CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE PPP
Shewdass, who hails from Line Path, trains at the Total Fitness Gym under the watchful eyes of coach Egbert Jackson. However, the facility was not recognised prior to the success of the World Champion.
Mr Mustapha in his address, took note of the fact that Shewdass defied the odds and proved that through determination, one can achieve success.
“We must applaud him for training at such a gym in order to bring us a world title; he has achieved a lot and will surely be a role model for other young people to follow,” he asserted.
Mr Mustapha also declared that he is proud to know that his fellow Berbician has done Guyana proud and also called on other business entities and corporate institutions to support Shewdass.
“On behalf of the People’s Progressive Party, I hope that other agencies within the government will recognise his contribution and help him to go forward. I congratulate him for representing us proudly and urge him to keep the Golden Arrowhead flying,” he emphatically stated.
Shewdass earned himself a plaque and a cheque worth $500 000 from the IAC as well as cheques from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and the management of TejMohall Complex during the reception which was held in his honour.
