A timely and substantial contribution to William `The Conqueror’ France was made by the National Sports Commission (NSC) yesterday to aid in his participation at Saturday’s Terry Fox in Toronto, Canada.
Director of Sport, Chris Jones made the presentation to the amputee athlete during a simple ceremony at the NSC’s office on Homestretch Avenue.
Jones noted that “This is part of our commitment to the development of sport with special emphasis on female participation and the differently abled”. The Director of Sport then pointed out that France “has been competing in this Run for a number of years and he was actually featured in a JET Magazine. Besides him, the only other Guyanese that was featured there was former president Forbes Burnham.”
France disclosed that it was the first time he received any funding from the NSC in 20 years and expressed his gratitude to Jones. He also stated that he intends to compete as the oldest amputee in the New York Marathon in November.
According to an online source, Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, he embarked on a cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 mi), and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy.
The annual Terry Fox Run, first held in 1981, has grown to involve millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research; over C$600 million has been raised in his name.
France said he has been greatly inspired by Fox and is honored to be competing in the annual fixture.
