FORMER Amateur Boxer, Athletes Coach and founder member the Guyana Committee of Services, 68-year-old Leslie Black on Sunday at the Police Sports Club, received the Guyana 60th Independence Lifetime Achievement Award from the ‘Guyana, American Heritage Foundation’ for his contribution to Guyana through Sports.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the Guyana 60th Independence Lifetime Achievement Award. I extend sincere thanks to Lady Ira, the Guyana American Heritage Foundation, Burgette William, and Ex-Athletes and Friends Inc. for this prestigious recognition” proudly stated Black, a recipient of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.) National Award.
Black was born in Guyana’s largest County, Essequibo, but grew up in West Ruimveldt in Georgetown.
He disclosed that he truly appreciated the acknowledgment of his years of dedication, service, and commitment to supporting others through athletics and community development.
“This award is very special to me, and I remain proud to have represented, and to continue representing, Guyana with love and pride. Over the past 35 years, I have served in the athletics field as a coach and manager to outstanding athletes such as Cleveland Forde, Alika Morgan, Javina Straker, Reonna Cornette, Kelvin Johnson, and Delcey Dick, all of whom have represented Guyana with excellence on the regional and international stage” informed Black, who along with his wife Avril, provided accommodation at their home for several Athletes in the past. Black served as an executive member of the Guyana Committee of Services, an organization founded by the late Joseph Ramkumar of Payless Variety Store.
“The organisation played an important role in assisting many athletes and sports personalities over the years, including supporting the surgery of Guyana’s world-rated boxer, Clive
Atwell, an initiative organised by Lady Ira of the USA. The organisation has also sponsored CARIFTA athletes and many other sports personalities throughout the years” explained
Black.
“I strongly believe that Guyana has lost some of its dominance in long-distance athletics mainly because of the lack of road competition and consistent sponsorship opportunities for athletes.
More sponsors are needed, and the relevant authorities and stakeholders within the sports sector should come forward to support and sponsor more road events.
It is difficult to continuously rely on the same individuals and organisations for assistance” continued Black.
Black stressed that now is the time to further improve the athletic scene in Guyana, especially as our country continues to make progress in track events at the CARIFTA level.
“For many years, I have advocated for Guyana to follow the example of several Caribbean nations by inviting experienced coaches from Kenya to work alongside and share knowledge with our local coaches.
I firmly believe that this initiative could greatly help in rebuilding and strengthening long-distance athletics in Guyana” Black concluded.