… does same with Lumumba and Westford

AMIDST a slight drizzle on a glorious Wednesday morning, New South Wales, Australia-based two-time world champion Gairy ‘Superman’ St Clair paid a courtesy call on Director of Sport within the National Sports Commission (NSC) Neil Kumar, at his Middle Street office.The 39-year-old St Clair was accompanied by two of his three daughters in 18-year old Khadija and 14-year-old Janessa, while he proudly walked with his two championship belts, which were later displayed by Kumar for a photo opportunity.
Prior to doing so, both Kumar and St Clair relived those epic moments in the boxer’s career, with Kumar showering praise on St Clair for his steely resistance to the numerous obstacles he faced early on in his life and career, to become the man he is today.
“I felt honoured and at the same time jubilant this morning, when Gairy walked into my office with his two belts on his shoulders and his daughters by his side. I must say that seeing him with his daughters emphasised the strong family commitments in the man for which I am happy to have shared this morning.
“I am very happy that he (Gairy) can recognise the fact that he came from a very humble background, reached the pinnacle of the sport he chose to compete in to the extent that he became a double world champion and is back today to say thanks to those who assisted him,” said Kumar.
Recalling that moment in 1994 when St. Clair, Andre ‘Stone’ Purlette and Guyana’s first world champion in former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Andrew ‘Sixhead’ Lewis were going to the United States of America, a smiling Kumar said he felt honoured to accompany them to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
“My wife and I assisted this trio of young boxers in a generous way and whilst accompanying them to the airport, I learnt that they were unaware of their place of abode in the USA, for which I called the then Consular General in New York and had him take care of them amicably well.
“In fact, they were so pleased with that, that a few years later when I visited the United States of America, these boxers wanted to repay me for the kindness I offered them, for which I declined, while urging them to continue working hard and making their country proud,” stated Kumar.
He added, “Having said such, I must say once again, that I am pleased to see Gairy return today to say thanks to those who assisted him in whatever way possible, even as he himself is looking to give back to the young boxers of this country, his time, knowledge and help in whatever way he chooses to do so.”
A humble St Clair, whose ring record reads 46-(18 KOs)-12-2, and who later in the day paid a similar visit to Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment Odinga Lumumba and Minister of Public Service Jennifer Westford, thanked Kumar for all his unflinching support.
“What you have done for me during my early days of my career is immeasurable and I just wish to say thanks for everything from the depths of my heart, even as I strive to continue being better not only for myself, but my kids and fellow countrymen,” said Sinclair.

(By Calvin Roberts)