FORMER national middle-distance champion Waveney Benn is eager to give back to the sport by way of adopting local athletes and supplying them with much needed gear and equipment.In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, Benn a former 800- and 1500-metre national champion migrated to the United Kingdom 25 years ago and has been returning to her homeland on a regular basis and each time she returns, she always brings gear and other personal items to distribute to the less fortunate athletes.
Benn reminisced on the days when she was in a similar position as some of the athletes find themselves in today. “I was in a similar position and would’ve benefited similarly thus my desire to reciprocate the gesture,” Benn stated.
“I know what it is not to have because I faced that situation myself, so I do not want any other athlete to go through that kind of hardship,” she stated.
Benn said she remembers very well the time she met then Minister of Sport, the late Shirley Field-Ridley and the minister told her “right now you don’t have, but there will come a time when I know you will be in a position to give back to the less fortunate”. Benn said that is why she is doing what she is doing today. “The minister’s words really inspired me and so I just want to give back,” Benn added.
While she returned to the country of her birth this year to enjoy the festivities of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, she also came with the intention of outlying her plans to establish an institution where she could give back to the sport that shaped her life.
To this end, Benn paid a courtesy call on the president of the Guyana Olympics Association (GOA) K. A Juman-Yassin and they discussed the modalities of the venture and according to her, the meeting with the GOA boss was very fruitful. She will now examine the suggestions made by the GOA head.
Benn who represented Guyana at many Regional and International meets said apart from adopting a few athletes and providing them with gear, she may even contemplate their academic development in the near future.
Benn said while she is willing to concentrate on helping a couple of athletes pertaining to their development, these athletes must exhibit the dedication and commitment necessary to reach the highest level of the sport.
Last Friday, Benn made a presentation of clothing and other related materials to Rising Stars coach Leslie Black at her North Ruimveldt residence.
According to Benn, she has a lot of connections in the athletics fraternity back in London and she is willing to pull some strings to get things done should two promising athletes demonstrate the kind of discipline required to reach the top. ”Discipline and commitment are the two most important factors for me to adopt any athlete,” Benn stated.
She also promised to do everything possible to get top English athletes come to Guyana for short stints with local athletes.