THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) this afternoon, provided celebrated national distance athlete Cleveland Forde with the sponsorship necessary, to enable his participation at Sunday’s Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) South American 10km Road Race Classic, in Panama.

Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips, indicated that it would have been a travesty had Forde lost the opportunity to participate at this the third and final leg of the Classic. “After reading of Cleveland’s predicament in one of the dailies this morning, I decided that this young man who has worn Guyana’s colours with dignity and integrity, always delivering excellence, deserved the opportunity to once again represent himself and the nation at this prestigious race,” he said. “The Guyana Defence Force is happy to be able to provide him and indeed Guyana with this opportunity. I am confident that he will do us proud.”

Forde, expressing his gratitude to the Chief of Staff and the GDF, said that participation in the Classic is very important.“This is perhaps the 12th edition of this Classic and I have participated in nine editions. I have progressed from placing fifth in my first exposure several years ago, to chalking up wins in at least one or two stages in my most recent showings. This time, I am aiming to bring the title home for Guyana,” he says.

The officers and ranks of the GDF stand solidly behind Forde as he seeks to do himself and country proud. Forde is also a member of the GDF Athletics Club and performed with excellence at the recently concluded Inter-Services Athletics Championships.