Dear Editor,
The Guyana Chronicle carried a report captioned ‘GOA pledges $1m yearly for Baird -NSC to help UG scholarship athletes.’
Why is it I can’t read a headline that says Guyanese athletes will receive full financial support from all stakeholders including the GOA, AAG, GTU, NSC, GDF, NSC, PS, GPF and the Ministry of Education and Sport?
I have preached it a million times over that Guyana is not prepared financially to undertake the full cost of the development of athletes to rub shoulders with the elite athletes of the globe. Why is the GOA reaching out to the NSC to “lend assistance?” Why is the GOA hoping that the GDF will pitch in to help Baird who is in the army?
The 2017 World Championships are slated for London, but has Guyana identified which potential athletes they have currently in preparation for this meet? Or is it the usual, namely, that at the last minute we will select persons and expect them to medal?
Nevertheless, I am grateful to witness the financial help pledged to athletes heading off overseas for training, although I honestly don’t foresee myself jumping out my seat because Guyana’s locally based athletes will qualify for any finals anytime soon. Triple Jumper and USA based athlete Troy Doris is an exception.
Yours faithfully,
T Pemberton
