ORGANISERS of the annual Desmond Dorsett Memorial Race (DDMR) successfully held its annual Classic Run for athletes in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) recently.
The event culminated in a grand Fun Day at the No. 53 Village complex.The road race for Under-15 and Under-19 male and female athletes involved Under-19s running a distance of five kilometres (No.43 Village to No. 53 Village) and Under-15s running a distance of three kilometres (No. 47 Village to No.53 Village).
The invitees to the races and fun day included Director of Sport Christopher Jones.
Older athletes participated in the 5K in an effort to inspire the youths.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister in Region 6 Gobin Harbhajan showed determination in running and completing the 5K race.
Harbhajan later credited Superintendent Errol Watts, Deputy Commander of the Berbice Police Division for cheering him on when he felt most like giving up.
Organiser of the Classic Run and Fun Day event was Mrs Jean Dorsett, wife of former Superintendent of Police Desmond Dorsett (deceased).
She was assisted by Desmond Jr, Chanel and Darryl, three of her children.
Mrs Dorsett said that the Road Race was the idea of her late husband who had been a long distance runner while serving in the Police Force.
The first event held in 2009 was scheduled for March 28 of that year. Unfortunately Mr Dorsett never lived to see his dream come true because he died five days before.
Despite being in a state of mourning his wife and children pressed ahead with the event.
He was laid to rest the day after. Mrs Dorsett said this year’s event coincided with his 85th birth date.
The winning athletes were rewarded with trophies, medals and cash.
The Fun Day programme also included a food exhibition by Women’s Groups and Youth Clubs.
The sale of these culinary delights against the background of events, such as boxing matches and tug-of-war, softball cricket and folk games, added to the general ambience of festivity at the venue.
Harbhajan congratulated the organisers for holding a well-attended event. He said he will spend time in other communities to encourage residents to incorporate this type of event as part of their community life.