IN Guyana, the name of Colts guard Shelroy Thomas has been linked with outstanding basketball play from the moment he burst onto the basketball scene.From school tournaments to local club tournaments to representing Guyana at the national level, Thomas has always let his game do the talking.
It is this high level of performance night in and night out that has led Thomas to become the 2016 recipient of the Salcah Youth Federation Sports award.
The Salcah Youth Federation, which started in 1981, is the joint youth arm of five Seventh-Day Adventist churches in Georgetown, Guyana – Smyrna in Kitty, Mizpah in Newtown, Olivet in D’Urban Backlands, Shiloh in Campbellville and Sophia in B Field Sophia.
The Federation’s criteria for choosing a recipient included being between ages 16 and 35; being a member of any of the Federation’s churches in good and regular standing with consistent attendance, involvement in church activities in a leadership position or any other significant capacity.
The final requirement was being a youth with notable, outstanding and consistent performance in any recognised sporting activity at the national level over the past 5 to 10 years. Alternatively, being a youth with consistent outstanding performance at sports within the Salcah Youth Federation; with a good character and integrity and who can serve as a role model for others.
According to the Federation, “This year, the recipient of the Salcah Youth Federation sports award is Shelroy Thomas who has become a recognised face in the sports world through his outstanding performance in national basketball games.
He has also made his country proud by being among the top picks to represent Guyana at regional basketball competitions.”
The Federation also stated: “While the award is for sports, the Federation is ultimately concerned about the spiritual growth of its youths and Shelroy has proved that he deserves the award since he serves as a Deacon at his church, Olivet Seventh-Day Adventist Church.”
Thomas was also elected recently to serve as the Sports Coordinator for the Executive Committee of the Federation where he will help to shape the development of sporting activities for other youths within the federation.
Past recipients of this award included Jevina Sampson, an outstanding female national athlete who has represented Guyana in places inclusive of Singapore, and Cleveland Forde who is the undisputed long distance champion in Guyana who has represented Guyana internationally.