–fondly remembered by former manager, Lesley Blacks

THE sports fraternity, especially the discipline of Athletics, was thrown into mourning on Tuesday morning when Guyana’s amputee marathon runner, 66-year-old William ‘The Conqueror’ France drew his last breath at his friend Oddet Hendericks’ residence in Sophia.

France, whose right leg was amputated after he was shot, would later in life develop Parkinson’s Disease and other health complications, all of which eventually led to his demise.
The recipient of a Medal of Service and the Walter Rodney Award, France is featured in the Guinness Book of Records for his many remarkable accomplishments as an athelete.

Besides competing in the New York and Boston Marathons, he also participated in the annual Terry Fox Run, as well as Marathons here in his homeland, Guyana, London and Trinidad.
“I was instrumental in managing him to his first marathon in the US, and several other events. He was my brother-from-another- mother; may have had our ups and downs, but we always overcame those hurdles and passed on our brotherly love.

“He was a warrior; he left a legacy showing persons that physically-challenged individuals can also achieve success in Sports,” said a visibly emotional Blacks.
Among those he thanked for assisting in making France a success were:
“The late Presidents Mr. and Mrs. Jagan, former Director of Sports Neil Kumar, and Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.”

He will be missed dearly… Sleep on my brother” concluded the long-distance Coach who worked with Cleveland Forde and Alishia Fortune and several other ‘distance’ runners.