With the Coach of the Year award going to former Alpha United coach Wayne Dover, 2008 Senior and Junior Sportswoman, Alika Morgan is questioning why her coach has not been recognized for his yeoman services to athletics in Guyana.
“Even though I am elated to have the awards bestowed on me, I would like to see the person or persons responsible for the awarding of same pay keen attention to not only the athletes but their coaches as well.”
“For the past three years, both my coach Leslie Black and I have been working assiduously towards not only representing Guyana with pride, but bringing back honours to the country as well and it is appalling to note that Mr. Black has not been recognized by those in authority,” said Morgan.
The 18-year-old national long distance queen stated that Black has been involved in athletics for the past 18 years, acting as both manager and coach for many long distance athletes, including 1996 Sportswoman of the Year Reonna Cornette, Kelvin Johnson, Cleveland Forde, Delcie Dick, Jenella Jonas and newcomers Chavez Sital and Jevina Straker and it is time those in authority recognize his achievements.
“To give one year of your time towards the success of anything is not easy, needless to say 18. Mr. Black has been by the side of athletes who have represented Guyana with success and I would like to see the National Sports Commission (NSC) respect what he is doing for athletics here in Guyana,” Morgan declared.
Local Scholarships
Morgan is also urging the Minister responsible for Sports as well as the NSC to provide scholarships for young sportsmen and women, while recalling that a promise had been made to her two years ago about a scholarship.
“On most occasions, you hear the Minister of Sports talking about our sportsmen and women reaching a level compared to the other Caribbean countries. But what has been done for us to be at that level, nothing.”
“Two years ago, I was given the okay with regards to a local scholarship when I met the Minister of Sports. But onto now, I have not received any word with regards to that. I would like to see local scholarships being bestowed on our athletes,” said Morgan.
“However, I must say that I am happy to be honoured finally, but I am still saddened that my coach has not been recognized. We both felt that I was a winner over the past three years and along with all my training partners, I have finally achieved that goal.”
Amidst some of her concerns, Morgan took the time to thank God for the strength he has given her to go out there and perform creditably not only for herself, but her country also.
She also thanked Mr. and Mrs. Black for their services over the years, Vic Insanally, Terrence Holder and the staff of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) for their support.