… Former national middle-distance star instrumental

FORMER national middle-distance star Waveney Benn was once again instrumental in getting the support of UK firm 1E to contribute to the development of sport in her homeland Guyana.

Benn, who dominated the local scene in the late seventies and early eighties, before migrating to the UK, has been making the annual pilgrimage to give back to young athletics, but this time she has ventured into other disciplines as well.

Last Wednesday, Benn, who represented Guyana with distinction at the regional level, made a timely donation to representatives of two cricket clubs, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and the Malteenoes Cricket Club (MSC) with the main objective being the further development of young players.

DCC was represented by former West Indies and Guyana all-rounder Roger Harper while MSC’s Shawn Holder was the recipient on the club’s behalf.

The former middle-distance star has over the years contributed significantly to athletics and even though she emphatically stated that she has not abandoned her sport of choice, the urge to support other disciplines on this particular trip was too overwhelming to resist.
“No I have not abandoned track & field this is the sport that did a lot for me, but I just felt that this was the time to offer my support to other disciplines and I decided to solicit the assistance of my employer – 1E – and fellow staffers; so I’m here today to present cricket bats to the two clubs that were recommended to me,” Benn said.

This is not the first time that the UK Software firm 1E has supported Benn in her endeavours and, according to her, CEO Sumir Karayi expressed delight in extending his goodwill once again.
Benn also acknowledged the support given by her fellow staffers, who she revealed did not hesitate when asked for their support.

“I have an excellent relationship with my company and staffers and I would like to extend my gratitude to all of them, especially to Mr Karayi and Denise Shillito, we are a family.”
The easy-going Benn disclosed she would always search for ways to give back ever since she left Guyana, so whenever the opportunity presents itself for her to return, her mission is always to share something.

Reflecting on the source of motivation, Benn informed that it stemmed from the fact that during her career she too sometimes did not have the adequate footwear and clothing, and she made a promise to help poor athletes so that their talent would not go to waste.
However, she insisted that the ones she really loves to help are those who portray the right attitude and commitment because they remind her of her own approach and dedication to sport.

She thanked the Software firm for its timely support and wished the relationship would grow from strength to strength in the future.
The CEO, she said, was very supportive of her venture and promised to continue assisting her, especially knowing that it is for a good cause.

Meanwhile, Harper thanked the track & field star for venturing out of the sport she loves on this occasion to assist another. This he said says a lot about her, adding that it is indeed a tremendous gesture.

Holder in his response echoed similar sentiments, adding that Guyana needs many more Waveney Benns and urged more overseas-based Guyanese, especially those who have played sports, to give back.