Sports Ministry, NSC and Athletics Guyana welcome home athletes

By Calvin Chapman

DESPITE various challenges, the 24-member contingent that represented Guyana at the historic 50th Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games in the Bahamas last weekend managed to capture eight medals, inclusive of three Golds, two Silvers and three Bronzes. And, the team returned home to a colourful ceremony at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday afternoon, and a welcoming delegation that consisted of the Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jr., Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, and head of Athletics Guyana (AG) Aubrey Hutson.

Under-17 boys’ Gold medalist Javon Roberts shed tears of joy when he celebrated with his mom, just before ‘Drum 4 Life 592’ provided an upbeat welcoming rendition, followed by ‘Riverside Angels’ rhythmic dance tribute.

Roberts shared with Chronicle Sport that he was very thrilled with his performance in the Bahamas, and that the victory was extra sweet when he factored in the challenges that arose over the weekend.

His mom, Sharon, however, was confident that her son would have done Guyana proud. She posited, “I’m very happy and proud of him; words cannot express it. He has performed excellently, and his family cannot be more honoured. The work doesn’t stop here; next year he will be open, so we will have to train harder.”

Meanwhile, Tianna Springer said she is overjoyed, because she “trained very hard for this.” The Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) athlete’s parents were also present at the ceremony, and according to her mom, Michelle: “This was expected; she said she was going to get Gold, and I believed in her. I am really proud of my daughter.”

During his address, Minister Ramson pledged that the difficulties the athletes encountered this Easter weekend will never happen again under his stewardship of the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports. And, he thanked all stakeholders for their involvement in helping the athletes get to the Bahamas, and back to Guyana.