Coach of the Ruralites Track and Field Club Raymond Daw says he is disheartened with the conditions under which his athletes have to train.
Daw, who coaches national junior sprint champion Chavez Ageday and talented Deja Smartt told Stabroek Sport that because of the unavailability of a proper training venue his athletes train basically on the roads of Mahaica and have to dodge traffic whilst training.
“We basically train on the road and have to look out for traffic. It’s a hard situation for us and I’m not happy about it. Hopefully, people can see what we are trying to do so we can get some support,” Daw added.
He also questioned the loyalty of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) to the athletes especially since he had highlighted this plight to the association since last year.
Daw said the issue I not a new one as the plight has been highlighted to the association since Claude Blackmore was president of the AAG.
“All I’m saying is that you cannot show support for some athletes when others are doing just as well despite training under difficult circumstances.
“I’m glad that they (AAG) are looking at people and trying to take their careers forward but we need support just like them,” he added.
Daw feels the situation could be remedied if the concerned authorities were to fix the Bygeval Secondary School ground which is constantly under water.
According to Daw the ground has no proper drainage system and when not under water pot holes can be observed.
The grass too is difficult to cut even by tractor, Daw added.
“I think the AAG can help especially if they lobby the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, to help fix the drainage and fill the ground, work that won’t take more than $500,000 to do because there are equipment available up here,” Daw said.
Daw said the situation has affected the growth of his club since parents are reluctant to allow their young children to train on the road.
Ageday, a regular feature on the athletics scene in Guyana suffers not only training problems but also travelling constraints since he lives in Cane Grove and has to travel an extra four miles to his home after training or from a meet, said Daw.
