GUYANA Defence Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips, on Monday rewarded members of the GDF Athletics team for the delivery of consistent and sterling performances during 2015; in particular, for retaining the Inter-Service Annual Athletics Championship (ISAAC) title.Brigadier Philips congratulated the athletes, their coaches, and the team’s management for the team’s outstanding performance during 2015 including ISAAC 2015.
He said, “All of you gave of your best. You trained and dedicated yourselves to delivering the victory for the Force even when the odds were against you. I am proud of you, the entire GDF is proud of you, even the past members including Chiefs of Staff are proud of you!”
“As we recognise your sterling performances and award you this incentive, I encourage you to continue training. Continue to commit yourselves to excellence as the 2016 edition of the ISAAC, will present challenges but I expect you to be victorious,” contended Brigadier desire sincere
He disclosed his burning desire to see more GDF athletes qualify for the 2016 Olympics, adding that “You are aware, swimming was added to last year’s ISAAC, and in our preparations this year, a Swimming coach will be hired to boost our representation in this field.
“This is not only to enhance our performance at the Joint Services Championship, but also to have swimmers compete at various local and regional competitions, said Brig. Phillips.
Recognition for the outstanding performances were also noted, and the athletes who gained special mention for their ISAAC performances were: Champion Female – Recruit Natrena Hooper; Runner-up Champion Female – Recruit Aniqua Powley; Runner-up Champion Male – Petty Officer Leslain Baird and Champion Male Swimmer – Corporal Noel Culpepper;
Other persons honoured were Recruit Damon Williams, who broke the Triple Jump record; Reservist Tenesha Cort who broke the Javelin and Discus records; 100m Champion Lance Corporal Akeem Stewart; 800m Champion and Reservist Wayne Harlequin
Long Distance Champion Recruit Andrea Foster and Sergeant Tyshon Bentick who placed second and third in the 5000m and the 1500m respectively were also acknowledged.