A PORTRAIT of Cliff Anderson was yesterday unveiled in the building, named in his memory, as the current administration makes good on its promise to revitalise and rebrand sport in Guyana by enhancing the older facilities. The portrait, one of several initiatives planned specifically for the Homestretch Avenue-based facility, was unveiled by Director of Sport Christopher Jones and top-rated Guyanese boxer Clive Atwell.

Jones, speaking after the unveiling, said “This represents the National Sport Commission’s move to remember the great professional boxer who kept Guyana on the pedestal.
“This is just part of what government intends to do with all our sportsmen throughout the length and breadth of our country; to acknowledge their achievement and to work with those who are striving to represent our country as ambassadors,” said Jones.
Meanwhile Jones noted that this is the first of many such initiatives planned for the facility.
He continued, “One notable, especially female boxer would be Gwendolyn, ‘The Stealth Bomber’ O Neil. So her portrait, once her organisers would have sent one that we can replicate and increase the size, that will be hung in the Sports Hall as well as those that represent futsal, basketball and other disciplines.”
Atwell conceded that the portrait is a welcome initiative that showcases “one forefather of the sport of boxing.”
He said, “We can look and hold very close to our heart the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and be encouraged that one day a portrait might be unveiled of our self.”
Clifford Matthew Anderson was born on October 22 1921 in Berbice and was a Gu featherweight fighter who toured the United States, Cuba and other countries before retiring in 1954, after spending nearly 14 years working and boxing in England.
Anderson also took a course of boxing for sport coaches and physical education, Professors of America in Mexico City from August to September of 1976.
He was awarded the Medal of Service in 1987 by the Government of Guyana.
The Sports Hall, which is named after him, was re-opened on December 5, 1997 in a simple ceremony witnessed by then president the Hon. Janet Jagan, and other government ministers including then Minister of Sport Dr. Dale Bisnauth, and Michael Parris, Guyana’s only Olympic boxing medallist
Anderson died on December 2, 1998 at the Davis Memorial Hospital. He was 77 years old.

By Stephan Sookram