FORMER boxer, Michael Paris, is the country’s lone Olympic medallist and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport on Wednesday made a ceremonial presentation to him as a start to building a future relationship.
Parris won a bronze in the 1980 Games in Russia.

Minister Charles Ramson Jr and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, presented Parris with a locally designed sculpture, depicting a mother and a child, and a cheque for an undisclosed sum.

“Michael has said to me many times he always felt as though he was never really recognised ever since he got his bronze medal, and of course, that is something that would not sit nicely with me because we’re on a trajectory now in the Ministry where we’re looking to develop the programmes that will help us to become more competitive at the international level.

He added, “This here is just functioning as a signal to the public about where the Ministry and the Government of Guyana stand in relation to making this presentation to Michael, and to signal to young people that when they do well, they should always be recognised.”

Parris said: “I hope this token will help inspire the young men and women to use the opportunity to go out and receive medals at the CAC, Commonwealth, and Olympic Games, to come back and receive what Michael Parris received.”

Additionally, the Sport Minister said Parris would be featured more prominently at the annual Sports Conference, scheduled for October this year.