SPECIAL Olympic World Games medallists Calvin Thomas, Kevin Pryce, Annisa Bowman, and Deandra David were commended by Minister of Sport Nicolette Henry and CEO of Digicel, Kevin Kelly, at a congratulatory luncheon hosted by Digicel at Sihouette Restaurant on Thursday. In the presence of the athletes and their parents, Henry applauded the team on behalf of the Government of Guyana. Henry told the athletes how “incredibly honoured” the Government of Guyana felt by the difference the athletes were making in Guyana and the world at large.
“We are incredibly honoured at your desire and courage to make a difference in the world with your talents and on behalf of the Government of Guyana we extend congratulations to you, the athletes, for your accomplishments,” Henry informed the athletes in the presence of the parents and representatives from Digicel.
The four medallists represented Guyana at the recently concluded Games held in Los Angeles, California, USA from July 25 to August 2.
Topping the medal earners was distance athlete Thomas who copped gold in the men’s 5000m and silver in the 3000m – a feat, that Kelly said, was not an easy one, given the competition Thomas would have come up against.
Bowman finished second in the women’s 200m dash, while Pryce also won silver in the men’s 200m. Landing two bronze medals was David, who finished third in the women’s 200m and 400m.
Remarking on the overall performance of the team Kelly noted that accomplishments of the athletes have put “Guyana on the map”. He also noted that Thomas being interviewed by ESPN, following his win, was good exposure for Guyana.
Kelly declared that honouring the athletes was a part of Digicel’s commitment to sport, which was more than just publicity but was about making the athletes feel appreciated.
The Special Olympics World Games is a biennial multisport event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The World Games feature more than a week of competitions involving thousands of athletes. The goal is to showcase the skills and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities, on a global stage. This year the flagship event is reported to have attracted the participation of over 6 000 athletes from all across the world.
