–        Guyana Chronicle’s Leon Horatio recognised for over 25 years of service

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) 2023 Senior Sport Awards showcased the exceptional talents and contributions of athletes, coaches, and corporate sponsors within the Guyanese sports community.
Hosted at Castellani House, the event celebrated the achievements of individuals and organisations that have significantly impacted their fields for 2023.
Emanuel Archibald and Jasmine Abrams, two of Guyana’s leading sprinters, were the standout figures of the evening. They were awarded the Senior Sportsman and Senior Sportswoman of the Year, respectively.
Archibald’s performance in 2023 was particularly noteworthy. He made history by becoming the first Guyanese athlete to win a gold medal in the 100m event at the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador.
His remarkable year continued with a bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Chile, marking him as a significant force in athletics on both regional and international stages.
Jasmine Abrams, also a prominent figure in track and field, had an impressive season, highlighted by her silver medal in the 100m at the Pan American Games. Her consistent performances throughout the year established her as one of the top athletes in her discipline, earning well-deserved recognition at the awards.

In the junior categories, the spotlight shone brightly on Tianna Springer, who was awarded the Junior Sportswoman of the Year for her incredible sprinting achievements.
Springer excelled in 2023, winning gold in the 400m at multiple prestigious events, including the CARIFTA Games, South America U-20 Championships, and the Commonwealth Youth Games. Her dedication and talent have set a high standard for young athletes in Guyana.
Raekwon Noel, a phenomenal swimmer, was named the Junior Sportsman of the Year. His performance at the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships was nothing short of extraordinary. He earned an unprecedented five gold medals, several of which broke existing records. His success exemplifies the potential of young athletes in Guyana and their ability to compete at the highest levels.
The awards ceremony was not just about individual achievements; it also recognised the contributions of various organisations and individuals who support sports development in Guyana. ENet, a leading telecommunications provider, was honoured as the best corporate sponsor in the large category, reflecting its commitment to fostering sports in the community.
MVP Sports and Trophy Stall received accolades as corporate sponsors in the medium and small categories, respectively, highlighting businesses’ important role in supporting sports initiatives.
In the realm of sports journalism, the awards recognised the vital role that media professionals play in promoting and covering sports.
Avenash Ramzan, the Sports Editor for News Room, took home the award for Best Broadcast Journalist, while Akeem Greene, Editor at News Room, was recognized as the Best Non-Print Journalist.
Additionally, Jemima Holmes from Times Media Group won the award for Print Journalism, underscoring the importance of quality reporting in raising awareness and appreciation for sports.
The event also acknowledged outstanding coaching and officiating, with Mark Scott being awarded Male Coach of the Year for his contributions to athletics and Tremayne Smartt being named Female Coach of the Year for her work in cricket.

The Youth Commonwealth 4x400m Mixed Relay Team received the Team of the Year award, celebrating their collective effort and success.

The Athletics Association of Guyana was named Association of the Year, a testament to the organisation’s dedication to nurturing talent and promoting athletics in the country. This recognition reflects the numerous awards won by their athletes throughout the year.

Other notable awards included posthumous honours for Terence Poole, M.S., and a special award for service in sports journalism recognising Claude David (Kaieteur News), Donald Duff (Stabroek News), and Leon Horatio (Guyana Chronicle), all of whom have made significant contributions over 25 years to the field.