ON Tuesday May 16, Guyana Chronicle told the distressing story of Guyana’s CARIFTA Games gold (3000m) and bronze (1500m) medallist Claudrice McKoy, who, despite the lack of basic daily necessities, including electricity, even though she lives in the capital, has been excelling in both track and academics.
McKoy’s story is still trending, as calls mount for Government to put in place, some mechanism that will help our athletes, more so those who are needy.
“Government would like to encourage all sports, (but) there’s no institution or mechanism examining persons who are talented but impoverished,” said President David Granger.
Speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport yesterday, the Head-of-State pointed out that while there’s “something that could be done on a case-by-case basis, there’s no programme for training and sponsoring impoverished athletes.”
“Each case will be judged on its merit; we want to give every opportunity for talented people whether or not they are poor; we want to be well represented in the sports arena around the world,” President Granger explained.
Meanwhile, McKoy’s principal, Henry Chase said that a donation of an undisclosed sum was made to the athlete on Tuesday.
Chase handed McKoy a scholarship to his institution (Chase’s Academic Foundation), solely on her athletic ability. He also remarked that the 16-year-old was exceptional academically.
McKoy is currently writing nine subjects at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and Chase is confident of the middle-distance athlete coming out on top.
However, Chase said he only learnt of the student’s unfortunate situation after reading the article and said he felt compelled to help.
“She’s humble, mannerly and does really well in school,” Chase said, adding “I had no idea of her struggle until I read the story, so I felt the need to step up and do something like I do for a number of my students, especially those who are here on scholarship.”