THE nation’s four-member team that journeyed to the CAC Games and won multiple gold medals was welcomed home on Sunday by a delegation headed by Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Olympian Raekwon Noel secured three gold medals and three games’ records, which were also national records; records in the 200-metre freestyle, individual medley, and butterfly.
Minister Jacobs says that as a former athlete he was blown away by the record-breaking performances.
“Your achievement in relation to winning medals but even further than that, your achievement in breaking records, is exceptional, as I speak, my pores are raising because as a former athlete that is why you play sport, for these moments, you live for them. You have achieved this with the support of your parents, the association, the coaches, and we are extremely proud of you at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the entire Irfaan Ali government.”
He said that every time the national anthem was played and the flag was hoisted, these were ‘significant’ for Guyana, as it put the country on the map.
He was grateful to the young swimmers, adding that the ministry will continue to offer support.
President of the Guyana Olympic association Godfrey Munroe, said “Noel epitomised and embodied what they want all the citizens to be, dedicated, committed, humble, full of pride, tenacity, fierce and competitive, you have demonstrated and inspired a generation of athletes. From the Olympic Association side, we have contributed. In this new year and new iteration, what we have mapped out is a tier system of how we want to support athletes, not just Raekwon Noel, but we want to encompass a wide range of athletes.”
Noel says he was thankful for the support of all who helped him achieve the milestone, and while he lives in the USA, his roots are in Guyana, where he learned his craft and discipline.
Assistant Directors of Sport Franklyn Wilson and Melissa-Dow Richardson, Dolphin Swim Club and other officials were also on hand to greet the team.
