GOA recognises several sports personalities
Kaieteur News
February 4, 2007
The Guyana Olympic Association ( GOA ) on Friday evening awarded several outstanding individuals for their participation and contribution to the association and sports during last year.
The function was held at Georgetown Club and K. A. Juman Yassin, the GOA President, noted that the association had a productive year and intends to continue moving forward.
Geoffrey Sankies received a plaque in recognition for his contribution to sports development in Guyana . The sports journalist of the year award in Olympic Sports coverage went to Stabroek News' Michael DaSilva. He received a plaque along with $25,000.
DaSilva was also selected along with veteran sports photographer Winston Oudkerk, to accompany the association's representatives to Rio de Janeiro later this year to cover events involving Guyanese athletes.
The GOA 's Council Member of 2006 award was presented to Garfield Wiltshire for his exceptional dedication to the association's positive movement through last year and into 2007.
It was further noted in the association's activities report for 2006 that several successful courses were done in an effort to assist those who work in sports development over the past year. In addition, several other projects were attempted, and the association did not fail to mention that they didn't all end with flying colors. It was also added that the year 2006 was both favorable and challenging. Sport had a very good year at the Guyana Olympic Association while it has made significant progress.
With respect to Guyanese athlete studying and training overseas, the association's Secretary General Ivor O'Brien, noted that the athletes are reporting success in both the athletics training and their educational training. The G.O.A, he added, continues to fully support all overseas based athletes at the complete expense of the association.
Cleveland Forde, he says, has been in Kenya since December of 2004 and the GOA has financed the stay until the scholarship was awarded in May last year. Eight coaches also benefited from courses overseas in several athletic areas.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his feature address mentioned that the association's achievement over the past year supersedes expectations. He further referred to the introduction of the 5 year developmental plan for sports in Guyana , which he strongly feels will contribute positively to the growth of the sporting industry in the country.
He said that the plan seeks to introduce and include sports to the young people as an endless road for progress and encourages them to consider it a developmental path and not just a hobby. The plan also seeks to proper organize the sporting industry as it stands, while it created room for the introduction of several other non popular sports to the younger population.
Juman Yassin said he believes strongly that sport in Guyana can evolve to great lengths with the right initiatives and determination.