The Hinterland Youth and Sports Development Association (HYSDA) in collaboration with the Rupununi Athletic Sports Academy (RASA) and the Rising Star Athletic Club will be hosting a Rodeo 10km road race in Rupununi, Region Nine on April 24.
Mark Rodrigues, Chairman of the HYSDA, in an interview with Stabroek Sport stated that “the race will be starting on the Brazilian border heading across the Takutu River Bridge into Guyana and will finish in the vicinity of the Annual Rodeo in Lethem.
“We should have a competitive competition, athletes such as Dennis Horatio, Ashanti Scott, Alika Morgan have all shown their willingness to attend the event. We also hope to attract Cleveland Ford because there most likely will be Brazilians in the race,” he added.
While cash incentives are in place, trophies will also be at stake with the winner receiving $50,000 and a trophy while second, third and fourth will receive $25,000, $20,000 and $15,000 respectively and a trophy each.
“We are looking to raise the cash incentives, we have been in talks with some companies such as Mamoth Minerals INC Guyana and Gems Diamond Trading, so hopefully the monetary prizes will go up,” Rodriques said.
The road race will also see Doretta Wilson competing since she has relocated from her home village of Ashiwuib to the more centralized village of Aishalton which will cause less problems for RASA to get her to compete at events.
Ricardo Martin, who has been unheard of in athletics circles since the latter part of 2009, might also make his return as Rodrigues is seeking to get him back on track.
“We want to get Martin back especially to compete alongside Hezron Pedro, it’s tough for Martin because things in that area are difficult and you have to adapt to a certain lifestyle from a young age, but he is a talent and we will aim to get him back out,” Rodrigues said.
The event will be the first of its kind to be held by either the RASA or the HYSDA and is set to be a test for the athletes’ strength and endurance and should be an exciting event for the Rupununi community.
