Guyana’s first professional cyclist Geron `The Lone Soldier’ Williams added his name to the growing list of qualified Sports Administrators last weekend after completing the syllabus of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)-sponsored Course under the aegis of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

GOA presented certificates to 20 sports administrators who took part in the 17th Sports Administrators Course. The GOA received 29 applications but only 20 were able to complete the course.
The results for those that completed the course were three A’s, six B’s, four C’s, four D’s and 3 F’s.
In his remarks, President of the GOA K. Juman Yassin noted that it is the hope of the association that the next course graduation will be held in their new building at Lilendaal in 2016.
He went on to state the importance of athletes and coaches to stay away from doping and called on the athletes to be aware of their diets and the substances they can and cannot consume.
Juman-Yassin recalled that at a recent Tour of Guyana cycle race a random drug test exercise was conducted and commended Dr. Karen Pilgrim and her team for staging that exercise.
While touching on the scholarship programme, Yassin indicated the need for Guyanese athletes and coaches to be full-time so that we can achieve that illusive Olympic gold medal.
In this regard, there is a need for the necessary resources to be made available for them.
He also recognised the impact of the integration of sports and education. Yassin pointed out that the Wiltshire family children have been excelling in both areas hence the integration of sports and education is welcomed.
In her remarks, the Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry expressed the belief that the sports administrators training is of paramount importance to the acceleration of sports in Guyana. She urged the participants to stay in contact with each other so that they can make a difference in the sports – together.
With regards to the scholarship programme, Minister Henry stated that she is impressed and inspired by this step. She also highlighted the importance of working with partners to move sports development forward. As such the government is pleased to work with the GOA.