The 2011 National Sports Awardees were honoured in glowing tributes and a commitment from Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar to provide all necessary assistance for the development of sports with greater emphasis on tapping into the hinterland communities.
With much pomp and ceremony at the National Culture Centre, Guyana’s only Olympic medalist boxer Michael Anthony Parris was also honoured for his feat at the Moscow Olympics in 1980 and 10-year old Priyanna Ramdhani became the youngest recipient of a national sports award.
Guyana and West Indies cricketer Devendra Bishoo and record-breaking power-lifter Dawn Barker copped the Sportsman and Sportswoman awards respectively for 2011.
Bishoo who is currently with the West Indies squad in St. Vincent was represented by his mother but Barker was on hand to receive the prestigious award from President Ramotar in the two and a half hours ceremony attended by previous awardees recipients, sports personalities, government officials and members of the diplomatic corp.
Speaking to sports officials for the first time since being elected to office November last year, President Ramotar outlined his administration’s plans for sport with the 2016 Olympic Games in neighbouring Brazil being targeted as a leap forward for local sportsmen and sportswomen.
“Sport is an important element of national life; we have given high priority to the development of sport by giving it its own ministry. Heartfelt appreciation to you outstanding athletes and associations your country holds you in high regard,” He said.
President Ramotar urged the awardees to continue to be good role models and go on to achieve greater glory and fame for themselves and country.
He said there needs to be more accountability in sports administration. “We must insist in greater accountability from sports associations. The government is duty bound to act in the best interest of all. Where there is need to act we will not hesitate to act,” the President stressed.
The Head of State said there needs to be a more structured programme to expose hinterland athletes.
President Ramotar said also he was bothered by athletes who after giving fame to the country are forgotten and he urged the National Sports Commission to consider erecting a “Wall of Fame” in recognition of those persons.
Sports Minister Dr. Frank Anthony said his ministry is moving to implementing an accreditation council to accredit coaches who will be rated on his expertise.
He too said that 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil will be targeted for local athletes to win Olympic medals.
Director of Sport Neil Kumar said 2011 was an exceptional year for sport and identified the opening of the new Aquatic and Racquet centres and the laying of a new synthetic floor at the National Gymnasium as very important milestones.
The recipients were Devendra Bishoo (Sportsman of the Year), Dawn Barker (Sports woman of the Year), Randolph Morgan (runner-up Sportsman), Trenace Lowe (runner up sportswoman), Priyanna Ramdhani (Junior sportswoman), Imrasn Khan and Nigel Bryan (joint junior sportsman), Jevina Straker (runner-up junior sportswoman), The National Football Team (Sports Team), Hassan Mohamed (Sports Coach), Cheryl Thompson (Female sports official), Guyana Table Tennis Association (Sports Association), Delroy Sookram (Person with Disability), Walter Grant Stuart (runner up) in that category.
Strabroek News’ photographer Orlando Charles (Sports journalist photographer),
Avenash Ramzan (Sports Journalist non-print), Edison Jeffers (Sports journalist print),
Guyana Chess Federation (Most Improved Association).
Ten sports administrators from the 10 administrative regions were also honoured.
