North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) cross country representatives Doretta Wilson and Hezron Pedro will miss the National Youth and Junior Championships scheduled for today and tomorrow at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.
In a telephone interview with Stabroek Sport, Mark Rodrigues, Chairman of the newly-formed Hinterland Youth and Sports Development Association, said that as a result both athletes will now miss the opportunity to represent Guyana at the Carifta Games.
“The geographical area is very tough, they are actually situated in the second to last village in Region Nine and will miss the games because they didn’t show up to come to town,” Rodrigues explained.
The Rupununi Athletic Sports Academy (RASA), according to Rodrigues, made an effort to get the budding stars to Georgetown by sending a vehicle to the closest village to Wilson’s village, Achawuip, but unfortunately both athletes missed the vehicle.
Meanwhile Rodrigues who was asked to serve as team manger by RASA of three other Rupununi athletes, Alexander Leonard, Junior Stevens and Beatrice David said they will have their chance to showcase their talent as the NACAC representatives when the trials get underway from 10:30 hrs.
Beatrice David, according to Rodrigues, has a victory over Wilson sometime prior to last year’s National Schools Championships and is expected to make good her debut on the national scene in the girls under-17 1500 and 3000 metres.
Leonard who will compete in the under-20 1500 and 5000 metres and Stevens will compete in the under-17 1500 and 3000 metres.
